2:4Revelation 2:4

Christ rebukes Ephesus for leaving its first love despite its commended works, labor, patience, rejection of evil and false apostles, and unfainting toil for his name, calling it to remember how far it has fallen, repent and do the first works or have its candlestick removed.STGC 13.2–14.1+4 First love is loving God with the whole heart, mind, soul and strength and loving neighbor as self and one another as Christ loved, in childlike fervor and simplicity toward Christ as an abiding presence, and in self-denying, self-sacrificing care for others imparted by the Holy Spirit and proved by good works.Ms 50, 1894, par. 9–12+4 To leave it is to leave Christ and depart from God, losing love toward God and others so influence becomes a savor of death, shown by a hard critical fault-finding spirit, cold indifference and lack of tenderness, outward formal activity without fervent charity, selfish worldliness, waning zeal for souls, and turning from sacrifice to speculation and error.STA 101.1–102.2+4 Unless there is repentance the candlestick will be removed, meaning precious light is taken away and the quickening influence of the Word is no longer felt, leaving formal rules in place of obscured light and the church unable to advance.ST Sep 18, 1901+2 Recovery comes by humbling the soul, seeking his Spirit with all the heart, being converted again and doing the first works of loving witness and soul-saving labor, a warning that also applies to those professing truth today where loss of love for God means absence of love for one another and Laodicean lukewarmness unless there is reconversion.Lt 125, 1903, par. 27–28+4

Nevertheless it is Christ's rebuke to Ephesus for leaving first love despite commended works, labor, patience, refusal to bear evil, testing of those claiming to be apostles and exposing them as liars, and bearing and unfainting labor for His name.ST2 42.2+4 The loss is held against the church as a serious spiritual fall from former love, even where spiritual knowledge, discernment and endurance remain.STGC 13.2–14.1+4 The call joined to the rebuke is to remember from where fallen and how far fallen, to repent, and to do the first works and return to them.STGC 13.2–14.1+4 Without repentance He will come quickly and remove its candlestick out of its place, taking away precious light.ST2 42.2+4

It is spoken by the One who holds the seven stars in His right hand and walks in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks and knows works and labor.ST2 42.2+4 He is seen in vision in the midst of the candlesticks, walking among them with unwearied vigilance as the true Watchman who does not slumber nor sleep while undershepherds may sleep.16MR 101.2–3+1 His presence and sustaining grace are the secret of all light and life, and those kept are kept by the power of God through faith as the gift of God, standing under His special care and protection.16MR 101.2–3+2 He is closely related to His church and His ministers, observing their order as His beautiful garden and choice husbandry, beholding the works of His professed disciples.Ms 155, 1902, par. 16–17+1 He weighs character, thoughts, words, acts, and whom each loves and serves.Ms 84, 1894, par. 14–15

It is part of messages given to John to be written to come down through the ages to the end of the world, message after message first to Ephesus then to Pergamos, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.16MR 101.2–3+2 The church names are symbolic of periods of the Christian era, and seven indicates completeness, with the messages still in force and portraying the religious world today as wheat among tares.16MR 101.2–3+1 They give earnest warning to prepare to meet the Lord in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory, for He comes with power and great glory and the end is right upon us.Lt 386, 1904, par. 1+1 To know what the Spirit says is to watch, pray, seek daily conversion, and form character after the divine similitude.16MR 101.2–3

The rebuke mingles commendation and encouragement with reproof and warning, first pronouncing well done on the good and faithful servant and not closing there but following with rebuke for leaving first love.16MR 101.2–3+1 Its warning and encouragement are needful for the church in all ages.Ms 121, 1899, par. 44–47 It must be studied with humble, contrite hearts, especially by teachers in the church, or it will fail to be understood.Ms 78, 1900, par. 1–4 It rebukes carelessness, backsliding and sin unto repentance and confession, while proclaiming Christ as the first and the last, all in all to the soul, whose power enables those who seek to overcome to break free from every sinful practice and corrupt habit without compromise.Ms 26a, 1892, par. 24–26

Christ walks from church to church and from congregation to congregation and from soul to soul, and walks in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks, which is His church, beholding the works of His professed disciples.16MR 101.2–3+2 He is grieved when those of any calling, education, or position of influence lose their first love by trusting their own capabilities as though complete in themselves, exalting self, drawing apart, and failing to express warmth of life in words and relations to one another.Ms 34, 1905, par. 5 Faithful self-sacrificing men chosen to do a special work who abide in first love are imbued by Jesus with His light and given influence, held as His servants under His special protection and guarded from fierce attacks of enemies.Ms 34, 1905, par. 3 God's faithful ministers are of more value to the church than the sun is to the world, and they will not lose their luster so long as they continue to seek their light from Christ, for by looking unto Him they become changed into His image.Ms 34, 1905, par. 3

First love is the love that circulates in the character of God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy and forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, imparted to the children of God and reproduced in them to be repeated to the world.Ms 50, 1894, par. 9–12 It is loving God with the whole heart, mind, soul and strength, comprehended in the first four precepts showing duty to God, and loving the neighbor as self, comprehended in the last six commandments showing duty to fellow men, loving one another as Christ loved, depending on God rather than on one another for Christian experience.Ms 50, 1894, par. 9–12+2 To leave it is to fail to love God wholly and neighbor as self, seeking self-benefit at another's disadvantage, holding principles contrary to truth, misrepresenting Christ and betraying His cause, proving truth not in the sanctuary and the law a dead letter.Lt 41, 1890, par. 44–45+1 Cold-hearted worldliness drives the love of Jesus from the heart, and this fault Christ holds against His people, for in separation from one another they are separated from Christ.Lt 70, 1895, par. 6–7+1 Leaving brings the warning to remember from whence fallen and repent and do the first works of unselfish love, with daily labor to have hearts united in bonds of Christian love and to receive the love that passes understanding, or the candlestick will be removed out of its place.Ms 50, 1894, par. 9–12+2

It is childlike fervor and simplicity, a lively, earnest, heartfelt, ardent love for Christ as an abiding presence in the heart.Ms 78, 1900, par. 11–14+1 It is expressed in talking and praying and rejoicing in the love of God, glorifying His name with praise on the lips and thanksgiving in accord with the heavenly family, with hope and courage and joy, so the world takes knowledge of learning from Jesus, bringing brightness and comfort and peace and trust.Ms 78, 1900, par. 11–14+2 It brings repentant, pardoned, cleansed, sanctified sinners into partnership with God through grace, united in the same firm sentiment and action as a golden chain binding together to follow on to know the Lord more perfectly and to receive and obey every word.Ms 78, 1900, par. 11–14+1 It refuses to hoard the precious treasure of grace and makes winning souls the highest aim, feeling the importance of the calling and weighted with the message of peace on earth and good will toward men to call all to Christ.Ms 78, 1900, par. 11–14+1 It keeps unspotted from the world while visiting the fatherless and widow, carries the work to every city with warm inspired appeals bringing sinners to the cross, flashes light into minds darkened by error, and cannot rest until the light that illumined them shines into other minds until multitudes know the reason of hope.Ms 78, 1900, par. 11–14+1 Cherished, it is a bright, happy, cheerful, hopeful experience with spirit and life rather than mere formality, hearts brimming and running over with gratitude ready to respond to the Spirit, expressed in glad testimonies disclaiming human power since only the Holy Spirit touches the heart, and marked at first reception and proclamation of the message of His coming by living the truth, freedom in Christ, and praise whose loss is a moral fall calling for revival.Ms 161, 1904, par. 28–30+3

It is the love that dwelt in the heart of Christ, that caused Him to give Himself a sacrifice for humanity, to suffer with forbearance the reproach of men even to being called a devil, and to perform mighty works of healing in tenderness and compassion, to be revealed in disciples so the church reflects the light of heaven and reveals His Spirit.Ms 193, 1905, par. 5–11+1 It is ardent love to God joined with love to all men formed in His image, a soft heavenly light shining in the soul not shut up under a bushel but diffused in practical working of God's will as lively sanctified love, needing constant cultivation lest extinguished.Ms 24, 1890, par. 9–11 It is self-denying, self-sacrificing love proved by doing the first works of self-denial and self-sacrifice, a living fire whose highest value is connection with Jesus so His light and love shine within and are gathered to shine on others' pathways, especially opportune in view of what is taking place and must soon come.Ms 193, 1905, par. 5–11+2 Imparted by the Holy Spirit, it is the active principle that makes fruitful in good works and gives power to every message for God.STA 118.1 It glows in care for others and is revealed by treatment of the suffering, needy, erring and struggling, where helping them heavenward with words bringing peace and rest shows it still burns, while judging or oppressing them shows its loss, for at first it led to good works in which God delighted but was neglected when Christ's compassion was not cherished and self spoiled Christian principles.Ms 11, 1906, par. 14–15+1

Keeping it means remaining united with Christ through faith as when first receiving Him, with the Christian life as the life of love in which Christ is not lost with the love unknowingly.Ms 121, 1906, par. 5 It is shown not by setting brother to criticize brother but by going directly to one who is wrong to talk and pray with him, looking after his interests as a keeper to help and not hurt and cripple and destroy, letting the sunshine of Jesus into meetings for blessing.Ms 121, 1906, par. 5 It is shown by putting self aside, living at peace, helping those in need, putting away the fierce self-pleasing spirit that causes division, so unity with Christ leads to unity and love among believers.STA 57.1+1 It means cultivating personal heart religion and setting an example of patient active goodness even when motives are unappreciated, with charity that does not join evil or excuse sin but raises the moral tone by confronting wrongdoing rather than disguising it, warning the sinner yet loving him.STA 57.1 It is hearts overflowing with gratitude for hearing truth, cheerful hopeful testimonies and readiness to respond to the Spirit, with loving God and keeping His commandments producing Christlike character and with received truth shared with those outside in faith working by love rather than merely professed.Lt 11, 1899, par. 5–6+2

To leave it is to leave Christ and depart from God, losing the love of Jesus from the heart toward God and others.Lt 208a, 1902, par. 49–51+1 It is having once loved God and holy things and then losing that love, so that self grows large, Christ is not manifested, He cannot own His professed people, and influence becomes a savor of death.Lt 208a, 1902, par. 49–51 It is a great loss in God's sight, a fall from a high standard of spiritual life to a low standard and a spiritual disease fatal if not checked, in which no outward effort or feverish activity can supply true devotion, so that with all other apparent excellent qualifications for service all is worthless, the salt without savor and without the perfume of Christlike love.Lt 134, 1901, par. 31–32+1 It leaves professors half dead, sick and ready to die, in loss of tenderness, kindness, courtesy and refined feeling learned in Christ's school, in a lukewarm backslidden cold lifeless unconverted state dangerous for this time.Ms 40, 1890, par. 105–106 Yet it is a perilous condition needing conversion that meets encouragement to grow, with gracious opportunity to remember how far fallen, repent with zeal, return to vital connection so His love abides, and do the first works anew lest the candlestick be removed.Lt 160, 1903, par. 7–10+2

The congregation at Ephesus had been planted by Paul in the city of the temple of Diana and had met great opposition in which some suffered persecution.Ms 11, 1906, par. 14–15 At first it possessed childlike fervor and simplicity, with ardent heartfelt love for Christ controlling believers and rejoicing in the love of God coming from Christ abiding in their hearts.RH May 26, 1903 That love was a golden chain binding them in unity of sentiment and action to follow on to know the Lord more perfectly, bringing brightness and comfort and peace and trust in the Lord.RH May 26, 1903 It kept them from hoarding the treasures of grace and made winning souls their highest aim, carrying the message of peace on earth and good will to men to every city with warm inspired appeals that brought sinners to the cross.RH May 26, 1903 It showed itself in daily visiting the fatherless and the widow and in keeping unspotted from the world, in an irrepressible need to tell the inexhaustible treasure found and let the light that illumined their minds shine into other minds, so multitudes were made acquainted with the reason of their hope and precious light flashed into minds darkened by error.RH May 26, 1903

The church held high spiritual knowledge, labor, patience and resistance to evil, and could hold truth, be firmly established in doctrine and resist evil, yet still be reproved for leaving first love.RH Feb 25, 1904+1 That first love was the love and spiritual experience filling the heart at genuine conversion, when Christ was seen by faith and His presence brought light and power with transforming power, and believers are called to keep that experience alive each day.Ms 55, 1900, par. 1–2+1 Decline came by ceasing to depend on Christ as Teacher and becoming cold and indifferent, with earnest living love dying out through a fading realization of the greatness of God's infinite sacrifice to redeem fallen humanity.RH Feb 25, 1904+2 Satan's subtle work undermined much of the good that had been done, so that despite excellent qualities and faithful labor the loss drew rebuke.Ms 161, 1904, par. 21–22+1

The falling away appeared in looking for mistakes and defects in others, encouraging suspicion and doubt, giving way to unkind criticism, losing sight of the Saviour and His great love for sinners.Ms 12, 1902, par. 28–31 It made them more strict about outward ceremonies, more rigid in criticism and more particular about theory of the faith, while shutting the love of God out of their hearts and taking happiness and joy out of their lives.Ms 12, 1902, par. 28–31 They walked in darkness and did not know it, though they were not open sinners but had truth, were established in doctrine and were firm to condemn and resist evil, no longer distinguishing sacred from common nor talking as once of the love of Christ and the infinite sacrifice to redeem the race.Ms 12, 1902, par. 28–31 Early love, fellowship, gladness and wholehearted simplicity in the gospel were gradually displaced by criticism and fault-finding, so a church could lose first love while believing itself to be advancing spiritually.Ms 12, 1902, par. 28–31+1

After Christ lived obediently, ascended and sent the Holy Spirit with power so thousands were converted in a day, a change came in which the church became selfish, ease-loving and worldly and cherished a worldly spirit.8T 26.2–3+1 That loss turned the church from its commission to carry heaven's message, coming under the enemy's spell despite light given for those in darkness and failing to let light shine in good works.8T 26.2–3+1 It looked with indifference on a world to be aroused while millions perished in ignorance and iniquity and souls starved for light and died in trespasses and sins.Lt 47, 1901, par. 13–14 It forgot the trust of the bread of life entrusted to be given to those starving for salvation, withholding from people the blessings God intended them to receive.8T 26.2–3+1

When John received the revelation many had lost the first love of gospel truth, with false teachings ensnaring believers and some faltering under trials and tempted to abandon the faith.AA 587.1–2 Prevailing idolatry and iniquity exerted a paralyzing and deadening influence on piety and godliness, showing itself in distrust, selfishness and suspicion, in leaving simplicity of faith, treading toward skepticism, spiritual darkness and holding serious errors, while only a few held fast their profession.Ms 48, 1891, par. 12–14 The condition brought little of Christ's compassion and sympathy, with coldness toward fellow believers and indifference to needs and suffering.Lt 36, 1894, par. 14–16 Corinth had likewise lost the fervor of early devotion and stood in peril, yet it could be kindled anew by pointing believers again to Christ, warning of dangers, faithfully reproving sins, answering questions and laying down general principles for a better spiritual condition.SLP 152.1 Galatia after knowing God's power wandered into strange paths away from former faith, and return to first love requires full surrender to atoning grace and genuine personal experience without which none will be saved, by which the surrendered are clothed with righteousness and stand free in Christ with love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance revealed.AA 388.2–3

Ephesus left its love for Jesus and for one another by not maintaining vital connection with Christ, so love no longer burned on the altar of the heart, fruit was not borne to God's glory and spiritual light was extinguished like a once-bright candle going out in darkness.16MR 103.1–104.1+1 Not knowing the time of visitation and not heeding solemn admonition, it opened the way for grievous wolves to enter and spare not the flock.16MR 103.1–104.1+1 Churches claiming truth for the last days show the same want when they do not abide in Christ, do not go from strength to strength and from character to character, and having no burning love cannot kindle love in others.Lt 19d, 1892, par. 9–11 That want of love for Jesus and one another is now one of the greatest sins extinguishing light, and the call is to repent and regain first love before the Spirit ceases to strive, with yearning love holding out eating of the tree of life in the paradise of God to him that overcomes.16MR 103.1–104.1+1

Leaving first love shows itself in a hard, critical, fault-finding spirit among those long in the truth, with harshness and want of tender sympathy, hatred of brethren and loss of faith in brethren, catching at words, suspicion and distrust, seeing nothing valuable in others, vindicating self while disparaging others, carrying accusations, putting prejudice into minds, disturbing peace, striving to be first, picking flaws, backbiting, believing reports without going to the one in error, and climbing into the judgment seat.STA 101.1–102.2+4 Such criticism, evil surmising and hardheartedness helps Satan and forfeits the cooperation of the Spirit of God, and proves Christ is not abiding within.Lt 24, 1890, par. 33–37+2 Though a church may labor patiently, reject evil, test false apostles and bear without fainting, it has fallen when love has cooled, and that fall is moral degeneracy bringing selfishness, envy, jealousy, hard-heartedness and spiritual deadness.STA 101.1–102.2+2 The remedy commanded is to remember from where fallen, repent and do the first works, or the candlestick will be removed, a warning demanding serious thought and earnest study from all who claim to believe.Lt 24, 1890, par. 33–37+4

It is shown also by cold indifference and loss of the tenderness, kindness, courtesy, compassion and refined feeling learned in Christ's school, with dryness and coldness toward people in distress, sinners longing for pardon, the struggling and needy, and toward family and fellow believers.Lt 50, 1897, par. 15–16+4 This includes harsh cruel speech, discourtesy, unkindness, self-exaltation and ambition to be first, scattering from Christ and dishonoring Him, and judging or oppressing the erring instead of seeking them with meekness and lifting the straying.Lt 92, 1891, par. 7+4 Commendable religious activity does not make up for a cold unresponsive heart, for losing love for Jesus means losing love for others, and Christ condemns love grown cold that no longer moves to help the lost find pardon and peace.Lt 50, 1897, par. 15–16+2 Return requires far more repenting and confessing and forsaking of sin with less self-sufficiency and boasting, coming into vital connection so Christ abides in the heart and kindles a pure flame of devotion, or the candlestick is removed.Lt 92, 1891, par. 7+4

Love grows cold while outward activity remains, religion becoming freezingly cold like an icicle or mere stimulus of emotion and zeal, with mechanical formal orthodoxy without fervent charity, neglected prayer, unrestrained tongue, spiritual deadness and blindness.STA 101.1–102.2+4 Believers may pray and present truth from habit yet lack the righteousness and love that make service acceptable, leaving only leaves when Christ hungers for fruits.Lt 19d, 1892, par. 5–8+2 The burning love with converting power that transforms character into God's character can drop out even while people do the things God wants, which is a serious fall they cannot afford.Ms 52, 1898, par. 31–33+2 That loss once appeared as ardor, joyous gratitude, testimonies, tears, prayers and yearning sympathy when first conscious of Jesus' love, quenched by meeting coldness and contempt until a vacuum is filled with pride, self-sufficiency and departure from simplicity.Lt 19d, 1892, par. 5–8+1 Only hope is to remember the fall, repent and do the first works again, for He searches hearts and gives according to works, and to the overcomer who keeps His works to the end He will give power over the nations and the morning star.Ms 52, 1898, par. 31–33+2

It is shown by selfishness, ease-loving worldliness, covetousness and pride, with grasping for higher wages, needless spending, withholding tithe and robbing God, demanding advantage at another's disadvantage, turning grace into licentiousness, dishonest dealing, and letting worldly business, speculation and cares outweigh truth.Lt 3, 1902, par. 21+4 This includes breaking down family altars, neglecting the Bible and heart-searching, losing pilgrimage fervor and praise for the Shepherd, and forbidden alliances with worldly people that leaven with evil practices and weaken identity as God's peculiar people as with Israel.Lt 3, 1902, par. 21+3 First love is self-denying self-sacrificing love proved by self-denial, and hearts sanctified by truth have simpler wants and work together with God, while those demanding high wages and encouraging selfishness show no realization of its meaning.Lt 3, 1902, par. 21+2 Whatever makes believers worldly and forgetful of responsibility, opens the heart to pride or sensuality, eats godliness out of the soul and enfeebles moral courage must now be searched out and repented, for not one act robbing another of his right will be overlooked.Lt 3, 1902, par. 21+1

It is shown by waning zeal for souls, becoming silent and selfishly grasping means instead of leavening society and entering new fields, neglecting the weighty gospel-sharing duty, leaving destitute fields unworked while gathering facilities in one part, thinking truth for only a few places, failing to watch over souls and teach children, and losing desire to bring others to the Saviour.Ms 78, 1900, par. 20+4 Where first love made believers unable to keep silent and eager to warn the unwarned and win souls, its loss brings coldness, unworthy differences, eyes taken off Jesus, waning love for one another, and grave evils sapping life, zeal and virtue so appointed work stays undone.Ms 78, 1900, par. 20+2 True love must be continually cultivated to bear fruit in faithful missionary work, and those lacking desire to bring others should examine their hearts and seek fresh baptism and deeper understanding of His love.Ms 41, 1890, par. 71–75+2 Unless there is quick and decided change with repentance and doing the first works of Christlike soul-winning labor, the rebuke will be spoken and the candlestick removed, facilities will remain unfairly distributed, and people will accept as truth what is not truth.Ms 78, 1900, par. 20+2

It involves fading realization of God's infinite sacrifice to redeem fallen humanity, turning to scientific theories and specious errors of the father of lies, presenting beautiful speculative theories about God without Christ's love giving fragrance, turning from Jesus to divisive speculation and novelty, entertaining objectionable theories that endanger faith and loosen foundations built point by point, heeding seducing spirits, and exchanging truth for error with changed ideas of Christ and His personality and loss of faith under deceptive working.RH Feb 25, 1904+4 A church can hold truth, be established in doctrine and resist evil, yet be reproved when the greatness of God's love in infinite sacrifice is no longer realized.RH Feb 25, 1904+1 At first that love of Christ causing Him to sacrifice Himself, suffer reproach and heal with tenderness led to good works delighting God, but neglected compassion let self spoil principles, and as love was lost knowledge of theories originated by the father of lies increased.Lt 95, 1905, par. 5–8+2 Presentation of beautiful theories cannot suffice without love in the heart giving fragrance to words and works, for loss of that love is loss of all, and without repentance He will no longer be with them and will remove the candlestick.Lt 247, 1903, par. 2–3+2

It is a moral fall in which even lessening of love involves a fall, a breach of the commandments seen in disobedience, unchristlike conduct, pride and hardness resisting grace until unimpressible, seeking spot in another to vindicate superiority, chastising others instead of self, being content to stay low instead of growing toward the prize, finding present truth no longer precious with decreasing interest, living under a shadow obscuring eternal realities, quibbling over unappointed tests and dwelling on differences until unity is destroyed, and holding the Nicolaitan doctrine that the gospel makes the law of no effect and that faith alone without obedience saves.Lt 48, 1893, par. 38–40+4 Those receiving truth yet remaining harsh, unkind and inconsistent have left love by refusing to place themselves where Christ can bring character into harmony with His own.Lt 48, 1893, par. 38–40+2 Once ardent and joyful believers lose strength by failing to hold confidence firm, weakening faith while quibbling and dwelling on differences separates from Christ and destroys unity, which in the last days depends on firm adherence to right principles.Lt 95, 1905, par. 5–8+2 Christ commended hatred of the Nicolaitans' deeds while unsparingly condemning their doctrine, for first love and first works mean faith joined to obedience, and true faith never makes imputed righteousness a substitute or cloak for transgression.Ms 168, 1902, par. 27+2

Neglect and carelessness can silence warning and tender pleading until heaven's guiding light no longer leads and people are left to follow a light of their own choosing.Ms 13, 1892, par. 1 With that refusal comes loss of spiritual discernment, so judgment is confused by human wisdom, darkness is called light and light darkness, interest in saving truth dies so it is no longer received, eyesight is dimmed by trifling until light and darkness cannot be told apart, and sudden temptation quenches light until light becomes darkness and the heart becomes a dark room shut against eternal realities.Ms 48, 1903, par. 7–9+4 Unless there is speedy repentance and thorough reconversion, the deceptions of the last days will overtake the fallen.Ms 166, 1902, par. 24+1

Without repentance the candlestick is removed, which means precious heavenly light is taken away and the quickening influence of the Word is no longer felt.Ms 81, 1900, par. 41–44 Then formal rules and methods take the place of light obscured by willful blindness, the church cannot advance and stands in great peril, enjoyed light goes out, and the heart grows hard and selfish by contact with the world.Ms 81, 1900, par. 41–44+2 The loss is a fall from missionary cooperation with heavenly forces under Christ into indolent profession that will not yoke up and lift His burden, and the first works to which return is urged are loving personal efforts to tell friends, relatives and acquaintances what Jesus means, renewed by the Holy Spirit.Lt 40, 1892, par. 11+2 Fading freshness and power when faith does not grow and holiness does not enter daily life shows the same departure, whether in outward service like attending, singing and worship that cannot meet the requirement, or in willing self-denial in labor for souls after Jesus' example.ST Sep 18, 1901+2

The warning falls especially on responsible leaders whose work was out of harmony with God, who failed to respond to light, carried wrong principles even when changing location, failed to heed testimonies or abandon practices opposed to truth and righteousness, and on ministers who lose living connection and thereby harm the church.Ms 66, 1901, par. 2–4+2 Ability, knowledge, fitness, courage and self-reliance are not enough, for without love burning on the altar of the heart the lack appears in plans and actions, misrepresents the Saviour, is worthless, and cannot be accepted.RH Nov 24, 1910+2 The stubborn and hardhearted who do not reform will be separated from the work, while true co-workers labor in harmony with the grace of Him who gave Himself as a sacrifice, acting out love all along the way so that goodness seen brings response and thankful offerings to God.Lt 197, 1902, par. 15–16 Loss of early devotion is the reason for less power of grace, dimmer shining, and diminished joy, calling for deep heart-searching, repentance, conversion, putting away variance, strife and discord, humbling before God, and daily prayer for the spiritually dead until stony hearts break.Ms 117, 1903, par. 27–30+2 A living Christian who has not left first love keeps consecration and his candlestick is not removed, but failure to maintain it leaves one blind, unable to see afar off and forgetful of purging from sins, though partnership and divine instruction are still offered so that by union with Christ the works of God may be done.Ms 151, 1897, par. 45

Unless first love is regained the light will be moved, for worldliness and pride extinguish the love of God in the soul.Lt 94, 1900, par. 7–10 Multiplying forms and machinery does not please God without endowment, genuine piety and divine attributes, for work must bear Christ's image and carry forward His missionary spirit to save the lost.Ms 33, 1894, par. 2+1 In institutions sharp or selfish dealings dim the light, while noble conduct and a changed spirit are needed, else love uncultivated gives place to opposite traits and counsel and blessing are removed, leaving men who take responsibilities in their own strength to their own foolish wisdom.Ms 43a, 1901, par. 20+2 The rebuke is given to humble for sin and lead to seeking His face, and when many have lost He looks upon them with disapproval and displeasure, revealing their need of converting power.Ms 4, 1902, par. 1+3 Even in rebuke there is encouragement, for He is infinitely gracious and waits only for return by confession, repentance and renouncing of idols to have mercy, save from ruin, and be an all-sufficient Helper, confidence and hope.Lt 18, 1901, par. 22–24 When they reform and draw near, His love revives in the heart, He draws near and works with mighty power, answers prayer, gives strength for reformatory action, lifts a standard against the enemy, rests rich blessing so heaven's light is reflected in bright rays, and multitudes not of the faith see God with them and unite in serving the Redeemer; without repentance the candlestick is removed and cause and people are given up to reproach in stirring times ahead.Lt 18, 1901, par. 22–24+2

Leaving first love is a perilous fallen condition that needs conversion, and the call is to remember former devotion and how far fallen, to repent with zealous earnestness and return to vital connection so his love abides, doing the first works again or the candlestick will be removed, with the very opportunity to repent a gracious reason for gratitude.Lt 160, 1903, par. 7–10+4 That loss is departure from God and from Christ's love, seen in loss of tenderness, kindness, courtesy and refined feeling learned in his school, and it must be revived where love for Christ and for souls has grown weak.Ms 154, 1904, par. 26–28+2 The church in Philadelphia is likewise urged to return to its first love, and God will work through each member who opens the heart to him in living faith.Ms 154, 1904, par. 29–31

More than admission of wrong is required, for genuine repentance is shown by taking his yoke and learning his meekness and lowliness, loving God supremely and neighbor as self, cultivating humility, preferring one another in honor, purifying the heart through belief of the truth as it is in Jesus, weeping and mourning over personal sin, diligently looking to one's own soul, laying no stumbling block, and doing the first works of Christian love and fellowship with willing self-denial in labor for souls following Jesus' example.Lt 208a, 1902, par. 49–51+3 Self has grown so large that Christ is not manifested and cannot own his professed people, and love has grown so little that his valuation of souls is no longer comprehended so that good works lack savor and amount to nothing without him.Lt 208a, 1902, par. 49–51+1 Outward service such as attending, singing and worship cannot meet requirements, and until this first work is done council meetings amount to naught, while without such transformation by the Spirit into partakers of the divine nature full of mercy the candlestick will be removed and spiritual perception of man's value will be lost.Ms 162, 1902, par. 30–34+2

The first works are loving personal witness in which believers, aroused and receiving the Holy Spirit, seek friends, relatives and acquaintances to tell what Jesus means to them and what they mean to Jesus, practicing truth and communicating light with earnest hearts so it sanctifies their own souls and others.Lt 93, 1896, par. 5+3 Returning means being free in the Lord, not saddening the mind with disagreeable suppositions, putting confidence in brethren and trusting and loving them though they err and make mistakes, since Jesus does not cast them aside when they fail.Lt 11, 1892, par. 10–15 A church closely joined to Christ can thus recover, not depending on ministers to keep it converted but each member becoming a living stone giving light, for ministry cannot rely on human ability or cleverness but must bear his character and be revived by the Spirit, or the candlestick will be removed.Lt 93, 1896, par. 5+3

Recovery comes when members humble the soul, individually seek his Spirit with all the heart, draw near to God and consecrate themselves, putting away variance, strife and discord to blend heart with heart, with deep heart-searching, conversion and daily prayer for those dead in sin till stony hearts break and personal sin is seen.Lt 25b, 1892, par. 12–13+2 Then faces glow with God's love and lips declare cleansing through Jesus' blood so the earth is lightened with glory, attention being turned from differences of opinion to heed the True Witness, without which all profession will not save from death.Lt 25b, 1892, par. 12–13+1 As they reform and his love revives he draws near, answers requests, strengthens reformatory action, lifts a standard against the enemy and rests rich blessing so they reflect heaven's light in bright rays, and a multitude not of their faith will see God with them and unite in serving the Redeemer, making them ready to meet Christ in peace at his near coming lest the candlestick be removed.Ms 117, 1903, par. 27–30+1

Returning means being converted again and working to save perishing souls with burning desire, tact and skill as partakers of the divine nature, coming to Christ for strength and drawing supplies from him with spiritual moisture constantly falling so self does not grow so large as to block his work, the life becoming like fresh foliage thriving as trees of his planting.18MR 198.4–199.3+1 It requires the will wholly sanctified, falling broken on the Rock with self crucified, putting away the fierce self-pleasing spirit which is Satan's spirit not Christ's, being not only readers but believers united to Christ and so to one another, at peace among themselves.Ms 154, 1904, par. 29–31+1 Each member opening the heart in living faith, each soul confessing, humbling self, emptying hindrances to the Spirit, looking from man to God and seeking the Lord earnestly, becomes free in Christ standing in liberty with love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance revealed, through full surrender to atoning grace and genuine personal experience clothing with his righteousness, while strayed sheep and those in contention are to be visited with special efforts that the convicting Spirit may come with unity and increased love for souls.Ms 154, 1904, par. 29–31+2

Backsliders who once knew truth must return reformed, regenerated and renewed, which requires more than concessions or regret for particular acts, for wrongdoing flows from an unclean unconverted heart.STB 365.1+2 The heart must be cleansed and cherished evil thoroughly uprooted, not merely tipped off, including long-cherished malice and root of bitterness.STB 365.1+2 When sin is removed through Christ's cleansing blood the soul melts with love for Jesus and hatred and abhorrence of sin, and the mind enlightened by the Spirit discerns good from evil.STB 365.1+2

The Spirit works on those who lost love to bring them to see Jesus as sin-bearer and all-sufficient sacrifice, receive pardon and rejoice in grace, drawing both them and those never on the Lord's side to an ingathering to Christ so his presence is distinguished, tokens of grace call forth rejoicing, and bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness shine into heart and mind.CT 369.4–370.1+2 When zeal languishes and first love grows cold the way back is to accept his love anew, receive him inwardly and live by faith, restoring union with Father and Son.DA 389.4–5 Left love is won back when old truths like justification by faith come in a new framework, as those appreciating opportunity seek earnestly, see hope only in his righteousness, accept his love, pardon and abundant righteousness by faith, receive treasures of wisdom and knowledge, see holiness plainly, grasp promises with new hope and courage, and find freedom and peace, causing rejoicing in heaven.Ms 8, 1889, par. 13

To him who overcomes and keeps his works unto the end he will give power over the nations and the morning star, and the promise to eat of the tree of life in the midst of the paradise of God is held out yearningly with eternal attractions, with promises surpassing in glory and eternal weight compensating every wound, while the leaves of the tree heal feeble diseased spirituality.Ms 52, 1898, par. 31–33+4 This stands joined to commendation for works, labor, patience, refusal to bear evil, testing false apostles and exposing them, and unfainting labor for his name, yet correct work and rejection of false teachers do not make up for cooled love, and without remembering, repenting and doing the first works again the candlestick will be removed, for he searches hearts and gives according to works.Ms 52, 1898, par. 31–33+4 The first works are when his love pervades with energizing transforming power in simple faith and trustful confidence, his name precious, the proud heart melted to welcome the heavenly Guest knocking at the door.Ms 24, 1890, par. 3–5

Keeping past history familiar by memorials, song and teaching children confirms faith and growth in knowledge of God, for letting his wonder-working dealings, baptism of messengers with the Spirit and waymarks slip from remembrance while the mind diverts to trifles lets first love be lost.9MR 134.3–135.2 Return requires breaking with Satan, submitting to God, dying to self, confessing wrong and struggling till pardon through Christ is known in thorough radical repentance, turning from coldness, selfishness, covetousness, false principles and blending with the world which brought darkness and confusion, surrendering will and way daily, watching and praying against the enemy, and holding fast what was received rather than exchanging truth for error with changed ideas of Christ under seducing science.Lt 52, 1892, par. 23–25+3 Those who lost are invited to seek God in prayer for the Spirit for renewal, without which they remain deceived and risk the soul and find no rest or peace.Lt 52, 1892, par. 23–25+2

The rebuke for leaving first love applies to those professing truth today, and to Seventh-day Adventist churches in their present condition where loss of love for God means absence of love for one another because self is cherished and strives for supremacy, and unless there is reconversion the church will be as the barren fig tree fruitless under curse and have its candlestick removed, a condition also described as Laodicean lukewarmness of having great light and knowledge yet not giving it in works as living principles, which dishonors Christ so He will not present names to the Father.Lt 125, 1903, par. 27–28+2 Leaving means being satisfied with form while denying power and resting in ceremonies without vital connection, deceived about natural corruption and God's holiness and failing to lay hold on Jesus' perfection and imputed righteousness as the only source of virtue, yet the call is to be given without despair because Jesus loves, and when members know God humility shines with love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness and goodness.Lt 23, 1892, par. 2 It applies where institutions stand and men are losing ground through strife of tongues and neglect of proper work, criticizing and condemning instead of making centers of influence, striving for supremacy, encouraging unfavorable reports and making a man an offender for a word while making crooked paths and strengthening dissension, calling to remember, repent and do first works or be removed.Lt 184, 1902, par. 6–9+1

It is a call for immediate repentance and reformation and great change among those looking for the second appearing, for purity of faith and action decides the future as strange things will soon take place, and it warns that those failing to discern the Spirit at Battle Creek would become increasingly blinded and turn to strange things, showing a decisive opportunity must not be neglected.Ms 136, 1902, par. 22+1 Christ has somewhat against those who had great light but left first love, fallen and retarding the work and in danger of being left behind in the special message carrying forward to higher holiness, and if light is refused it will not continue to shine, so they must remember, repent and do first works or have the candlestick removed.Lt 61, 1893, par. 11–13+1 It is a decided rebuke applying to men today drifting from the ark too proud to admit need to repent, and to sleepy unfaithful backsliding shepherds needing to wake, and to those thinking themselves rich while wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked yet counseled to buy gold, white raiment and eyesalve and promised a seat on His throne if they open to His knock.Ms 34, 1905, par. 9–10+2

It applied to the people at the heart of the work in Battle Creek including those responsible for the publishing work, who had left first love with backsliding, unbelief and impenitence, relying on human wisdom and own judgment instead of seeking God's will and counsel, neglecting essential spiritual work and cherishing evils, with too little fear, reverence, faith and love, creating a crisis watched anxiously by heavenly beings.LSEGW 320.2–321.1+4 Because they did not return the candlestick was taken away as seen in the ruins of the publishing house, raising whether calamity will bring repentance, for had those assembled at that center improved opportunity to repent and do first works light would have shone afar, leaders leading to be broken on the Rock would have received strength to discern truth, the Spirit would have filled the assembly and life revealed.STBk 108.2+2 The general condition includes failing to cherish Christ's Spirit and taking wrong positions in the controversy over the law in Galatians without fully understanding, a sad loss made plain by the Christless stand at the Minneapolis General Conference revealing not abiding in Christ, calling to remember, repent, confess, be baptized and do first works or be removed by the One who loves souls for whom He died.9MR 297.3–4+2

The message in chapters two and three applies to those in this age who had great light but have not opened the heart's door to Christ's knock, over which He has controversy shown by the fires in New York and other cities as omnipotent power with the Spirit withdrawing because warnings were unheeded, warning of a similar condition coming among God's people to beware and repent.4MR 321.2+1 It applies to people in institutions that have departed from pure holy principles in business management, who must remember, repent and return to earlier works.Lt 63, 1903, par. 18–20 It applies to publication managers whose worldly policy and human judgment show an unled spirit risking separation like Israel seeking a king to be like nations and rejecting God's rule.Ms 53, 1890, par. 26–31 In sanitarium work loss means workers no longer under the Spirit's guidance so the enemy uses them to hinder the cause and destroy souls and sanitariums become a snare, through losing love for great truths about the second coming.Ms 63, 1908, par. 2

Those at Battle Creek losing faith and first love under seducing theories are threatened to be spoiled for ministry and missionary work, held in the Sanitarium instead of proclaiming the soon coming with power and glory, and are called when recovered to come away to neglected fields with a thousand at work where now there is one, since faith revives by humbling and going forth to highways and hedges.Lt 281, 1904, par. 17–20+1 It charges responsible men who fell through disagreement letting Satan captivate mind, soul and body, yet even in rebuke God encourages repentance, infinitely gracious waiting only for return by confession, renouncing idols to have mercy, save from ruin and be Helper, but without repentance He will come quickly, remove the candlestick and give them and His cause to reproach in stirring times ahead.Lt 18, 1901, par. 22–24+1 It warns especially those in responsibility and leading institutions against patterning after the world and adopting worldly policies, for love for Christ must remain vital.LSEGW 314.2–315.1

God calls every soul entrusted with responsibilities to return to escape Satan's net by repentance and conversion without which they will never see the kingdom, discarding self-kindled sparks and domineering pride to come under Omnipotence and receive faith, joy, hope and light guiding obedience.Lt 28, 1896, par. 23 Losing brings the Lord's displeasure especially among the entrusted, where ministers lacking living connection harm the church, and God's people at the heart of the work have forsaken Him trusting an arm of flesh with contention, appeal to outsiders, letting men manage instead of God and only partially believing the testing message, bringing displeasure, threatened judgment and reproach before the heathen.Ms 41, 1890, par. 32–36+1 The remedy is to wake before everlastingly too late, be converted, humble the heart, crucify self, put away differences, fast contritely, pray brokenly, seek the Lord while He may be found, learn faith and weep between porch and altar over blindness.Ms 75, 1898, par. 37–39 Losing happens when brethren in responsibility think they must exercise personal authority though they may do excellent things, for position does not make the man, and keeping requires realizing finiteness and bearing responsibilities in God's strength.Ms 148, 1903, par. 3

Ministers and churches have left first love meaning self-righteousness, pride, self-reliance, self-importance and dependence on human ability instead of childlike trust with melting love and receiving the Spirit of truth, which is not the wedding garment, and failure to follow clear light at fearful danger in the Laodicean condition of great light in Scripture, needing to humble hearts, walk in light, heed Christ as the Amen faithful true Witness, renew consecration and labor faithfully.RH Nov 8, 1906+2 Some will never return but persist in idolizing self and remaining world-loving despite warnings, seen in clinging to worldly apparel misleading youth, needing daily conversion since outward reforms including dress cannot change the heart, while inward work produces outward change and God receives those who humble themselves.Lt 19, 1897, par. 18–19+1 A minister who has left into unbelief, skepticism, feebleness and blindness through ambition, indolence, self-indulgence and low piety must be converted by repentance, confession, restitution and return to simplicity as proof Christ dwells within with entire consecration, without which he is unfit to preach and will never see the kingdom.EDFCP 11.1+1

Losing love leaves even publishing workers open to stealthy infidelity, restored only by quickened faith when self is crucified and all powers consecrated to soul-saving which preaching alone cannot produce.Ms 73a, 1900, par. 17 The church left first love seen in cold indifference and failure to keep step with the message including failure to cooperate in medical missionary work and health reform over many years, calling to recover former love and active faithfulness.Ms 17, 1901, par. 11–13 Leaving is shown in neglecting fields while at ease, leaving many fields unworked and gathering facilities in one part while leaving another destitute instead of carrying forward on solid lines, rebuking selfishness with little effort to place workers there, calling to heed instruction, work neglected fields and provide fairly.RH Apr 14, 1903+2 The church has failed to cooperate with God by not loving supremely and living unity, requiring practicing in every mission Christ's principles made possible because God gave His Son and Christ joined humanity so humanity can join divine power, as a debt owed by every enlightened truth-converted person that must leaven churches.Ms 64, 1894, par. 7 Churches have lost spirituality because they left, while the world, cities and higher classes hunger for it and must hear present truth.Lt 6, 1902, par. 7–10

Leaving is evident in grasping for higher wages and needless spending that sanctified hearts with simpler wants working with God would not desire, diminishing self-sacrifice and even withholding tithe and robbing God.1MR 262.2+1 It appears in selfish covetous sharp business by sacred workers lacking justice, mercy and love, damaging witness, requiring repentance rather than defense or removal of candlestick.Ms 41, 1901, par. 3–6 It means opposing the work God wants built up and turning talents to tear down at Satan's enticement, requiring discerning condition and seeking the Lord while He may be found.Lt 208, 1902, par. 36 It comes from keeping self in one's own hands thinking highly of self so talents cannot be used and light will finally be removed, with remedy less of self and more of Christ and humbled heart since salvation matters most.Lt 95, 1901, par. 12–14

Prolonged study can draw students absorbed in education away from love for Jesus and desire to serve and share.FE 361.2–362.1 New believers' fervor dies if left idle but increases with spiritual work in winning souls, so long sermons do not preserve it but wise education rooting them to be useful inside and outside the church does, with active faithful employment developing spirituality while religion without working risks losing in depth what it gains in breadth.Lt 44, 1892, par. 10 Higher standards in schools are reached by working in Christ's meek way curing hardness by seeking the lost, for leaving produces hardness and coldness and want of sympathy except for a favorite few, calling for the Laodicean message and the Spirit of the true Helper.Ms 8a, 1891, par. 21–24+1 Leaving lets the standard fall by making unfolded truth common and dropping gold of love and faith from character, and coming back requires seeking that gold and cultivating gentleness, forbearance, mercy, patience, compassion and sympathy with Christ's Spirit interwoven as abiding principle holding justice and mercy together without fear of being too merciful, especially by those dealing with students.Ms 8a, 1891, par. 2–5+1

Many amid last-day perils have left and are unready for Christ's sudden appearing doing little and not knowing visitation, with feeble diseased spirituality needing leaves of the tree of life for healing.Ms 117, 1903, par. 1 Many have grown cold and indifferent needing advancement lest judgments sent for good come to lead toward salvation and teach compassion.Ms 11, 1903, par. 21–23 Those who once received teaching ardently but did not hold confidence firm to the end have a name for being alive yet lack saving influence, quibbling over unappointed tests and dwelling on differences until unity is destroyed.6MR 242.4+1 Nearly all have lost with no evidence of acceptance and only a very small number in sympathy shown by keeping commandments and loving God and neighbor, and Christ holds this against His people meaning they are half dead, sick and ready to die.Ms 189, 1905, par. 16+1

Yet this gives no reason to despond for Jesus lives and the Sun still shines though Satan casts shadow, with heavenly intelligences in the Lord's army and Christ the Captain, and believers are not left to fight alone.Lt 23, 1892, par. 7+1 Strayed sheep and those in contention as in Battle Creek are to be visited with special efforts that the Spirit may come, seeking unity and love for souls with each confessing, looking from man to God, emptying hindrances and seeking earnestly.Lt 70, 1906, par. 1–2 Those who lost are to be brought back with power yet Christlike love without indifference or injustice, watching as those who must give account, since a returned soul is won back and the tempted must not be left to the enemy.Ms 31, 1906, par. 21+1 The rebuke stands against both harsh judicial sharpness climbing into the judgment seat striving to be first and equally dangerous sentimentalism testing who leads, Christ or the fallen angel, and whether sound in faith.Ms 145, 1903, par. 16–17

Keeping first love means genuine love does not join evil or call sin holiness but raises the moral tone by confronting wrong, hating sin while loving the sinner, warning of danger and pointing to Christ through living connection, cultivating heart religion and acting with patient goodness even when unappreciated.STA 57.1+1 Good deeds do not excuse sinful conduct such as untrue statements to bring about ends, especially in educators and guardians of sacred trusts who injured the cause and refuse to confess and reform, with some repenting and some not, and those sustaining a spiritual fall unknowingly in responsibility must be reconverted or they cannot be trusted since mere assent is valueless without truth sanctifying to withstand subtle temptations.Ms 118, 1903, par. 12–14+2 Even while reproving acknowledged believers He credits works, labor, patience, refusal to bear evil, testing false apostles, bearing and unfainting labor, yet leaving is tied to retaining guilt and continuing evil while building false assurance because sentence is not executed speedily.Ms 25, 1903, par. 1–2

The message, especially I know thy works, is repeated to those who talk of principles yet reveal by neither word nor deed integrity, transformed heart or drawing light from Christ, but walk like unconverted worldlings.Ms 11, 1906, par. 12–13 It rebukes doing little kindly restoring of those overtaken in fault and instead doing deceitful work against them voicing accusations, with failure to do needed restoring bringing rebuke.STMW6 13.2+1 It condemns no longer showing His love to people in distress which should move to help the lost find pardon and peace.STMW9 7.2–8.1 The spiritual condition described was that of Kellogg calling for repentance or removal, a disease leading to blindness if not cured needing purification and a broken heart forsaking besetting sins.11MR 313.1–2 The close personal testimony is to be heeded today by each member reading and praying for themselves rather than depending on ministers so ministers can go to unreached places with the last message.Ms 30a, 1896, par. 4

The church has divorced her Maker Husband and married the world in fellowship with holiness's enemy, joining idols, departing from commandments, cherishing delusion for prosperity, finding truth unpalatable, losing character and strength.Ms 76, 1893, par. 61–65 It has backslidden by not retaining purity and simplicity while professing to accept testimonies yet ignoring their teachings, so receiving the world's favors weakened connection, expired faith into dead formality, stained garments and bore little fruit where much is given and much required, with wide branches bearing little.TBC1882b 6.2–7.1+1 Leaving means failing to make God first, last and best and wandering into skepticism for selfish ends, but through affliction the wanderer may inquire for old paths with mist swept away and return onto the ransomed way valuing the Spirit above gold with transformed aspirations.20MR 41.1–2+1 Failing after prayerful consideration to act promptly, losing sight of Jesus' sacrifice and neglecting the heavenly Friend while remembering earthly friends with gifts, refuses self-denial in offerings to advance His cause.ST Nov 28, 1878

Losing means failing to gain experience in true devotion and service to stand in God's great day when deception covers the earth, requiring being rooted and cooperating as co-workers with Christ since good works do not buy salvation yet evidence genuine faith purifying the soul.Lt 31, 1891, par. 14–15 Declining zeal, ardor, courage and faith calls for revival and renewed commitment with first love joined to unselfish love moving to share grace and bring others to repentance.Lt 44, 1899, par. 10+3 First love must be kept fresh by sharing truth with those outside in faith working by love, and first love for Jesus and truth which can fade must be quickened to grow into forbearance, gentleness and nobility shown in the home in how husband and wife treat each other, with truth in the sanctuary sanctifying and rebirthing to spread through home, business and church, looking away from discouraging features to display God's goodness from refuge in Him.Lt 39, 1894, par. 13–15+2

Christians must not be content to have left, calling for life shaped by love rather than self-assertion.RH Dec 15, 1904 The church needs conversion so members feel travail for the world and those entrusted with the last message qualify themselves and children to higher piety as co-workers gaining sight of loftier motive and proving obedient to the law providing eternal life.Ms 57, 1898, par. 11–12 The verse calls the church to return to early love that marked first reception and proclamation of the message of His coming in living truth, freedom and praise, a moral fall calling for revival, and when His love is in the heart praise returns, with restoration distinguished by His presence, tokens of grace, rejoicing and bright beams of the Sun shining into heart and mind.Ms 161, 1904, par. 28–30+1 Loss is proved by cold hardheartedness yet requires remembering, repenting and returning to former works of unselfish love which lets truth prosper as a burning lamp.Ms 43a, 1901, par. 20

Leaving continues in transgression with affections turned from God yet Christ's atonement calls to return affections and have the law written in mind and heart, with each day's first work surrendering will, watching and praying thrice daily.Ms 122, 1905, par. 20–21 Leaving simplicity while still believing without letting truth sanctify daily life, compare life with the law, search Scripture, put away sin and keep garments white, calls to remember, repent, believe all commandments and make calling and election sure.Lt 14, 1885, par. 7–11 Indifference to helping others leads to losing and censuring brethren, believers neglecting helping can lose with indifference followed by criticizing, and professors blinded by Satan replace soul-love with hardness failing to visit people and open Scripture though they could serve in many ways.RH May 13, 1902+2

God calls every soul entrusted to return, and followers can lose early love leaving too little godliness calling them back to living knowledge expressed in practical care and timely words.Lt 102a, 1897, par. 20 Leaving means losing convictions, faith and childlike simplicity for unbelief, skepticism, self-indulgence, ambition and low piety bringing feebleness, blindness and the devil's snare and unfitness for ministry, requiring conversion into the Spirit's dominion with entire consecration.EDFCP 11.1 Losing means departing from fervent devotion leaving believers worldly and unable to appreciate mercy requiring zeal or the candlestick will be moved.Lt 138, 1897, par. 17–19 To leave is to leave Christ out of councils where no one man is to take supreme jurisdiction over church, sanitarium, school or institution, but ministers and physicians are to blend in united counsel thinking individually while seeking divine wisdom by prayerful study and inquiring of Christ in every decision.Ms 198, 1899, par. 31–33

Leaving brings indescribable disappointment and humiliation to Christ with faith weak and light quenched, eyesight dimmed by trifling so light and darkness cannot be discerned, requiring speedy confession, reconversion and thorough transformation or last-day deceptions will overtake, and falling from once ardent belief by not holding confidence firm calls for clear warning and persevering effort to show true state.Ms 166, 1902, par. 24+2 Losing leaves professed believers at disadvantage turning zeal into theory and controversy without Jesus' spirit, misrepresenting truth, leaving the soul unsanctified with caprice, envy and evil surmising, making them harsh and dictatorial so unbelievers blame the truth, and shows pride unlike God's children weakening witness.Lt 115, 1893, par. 9–10+1 Leaving is wandering from God whom the wanderer must return to with the heart, with Christ watching with tender compassion greater than a parent forgiving a wayward son, but persistent refusal hardens until no longer susceptible and the Saviour leaves him joined to idols bringing doom more fearful than Sodom's, warning professed commandment-keepers who deny Christ in character and trifle with light.Lt 235, 1903, par. 6–7+1

Leaving pettish hasty temper instead of loving as Christ loved offends God despite the price paid and counts as sinners, and cure is repenting and doing first works showing unconverted ways left behind, for the world's recognition of the gospel hinges on this love for which Christ prayed.Lt 179, 1902, par. 6–14 Losing consecration takes away fervent zeal for saving souls, restored only by quickened faith when self is crucified, with active employment developing spirituality.Ms 73a, 1900, par. 17 The church needs to be converted, must heed the True Witness rather than differences of opinion, and without first love all profession will not save from death, while skepticism requires surrender to the Holy Spirit for cleansing and renewal, and lukewarm backsliding calls to humble and seek wholeheartedly so they may find Him.Lt 180, 1903, par. 9–13+2

The love of God leaves workers when work begun in sacrifice amid hardship changes as buildings multiply valued by money, rivalry enters, youth are not trained for worldwide mission and worldly policy mingles, grieving the Spirit, dishonoring God and causing Satan to exult.Lt 105, 1904, par. 14–15 The call to remember, repent and do first works means outward service such as attending, singing and worship cannot meet requirements, but first works are willing self-denial in labor for souls following Jesus' example, otherwise light is taken away and formal rules replace obscured light leaving the church unable to advance.Ms 81, 1900, par. 41–44 Returning means being free, not saddening the mind, trusting brethren though they err, arousing and earnestly communicating light as living stones giving light, with peace among believers requiring crucified self and putting away the fierce spirit, shown by faithfulness in little duties and repairing breaches united to Christ so as to be united to one another.Lt 11, 1892, par. 10–15+3

First love is ardent love to God joined with love to all men made in His image as soft heavenly light diffused in practical doing of God's will needing constant cultivation lest extinguished, its highest value being connection with Christ so His light shines within and is gathered to shine on others' pathways especially opportune given what is taking place and must soon come.Ms 193, 1905, par. 5–11+1 Leaving fails to keep entire affections on Christ while keeping requires lifelong striving against sin with self-denial, with Christ paying infinite price and offering love passing knowledge received only with the whole heart, and becoming lukewarm calculating how long safe while probation passes denies Christ's right to entire consecration of every endowment for His glory.Ms 37, 1886, par. 40–41+1 Leaving is proved by striving to be first and picking flaws, requiring retaking baptismal vows of death to sin and new life, with every camp-meeting a heart-searching season to maintain them without faultfinding by working out Christ's likeness who bore sins that sinners might live righteously, for without repentance there is no part with Christ.Ms 130, 1908, par. 4–5

Those claiming truth can lose without realizing until the Spirit opens minds, and their first work is to repent and clear dissension, though thinking rich Christ declares wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked yet counsels gold, white raiment and eyesalve and promises a throne to the overcomer who opens to His knock.Ms 65, 1903, par. 1–2 Keeping means consecration to be guided by the Spirit with faculties alive under the Sun's beams because without Christ nothing can be done, while losing removes counsel leaving those taking responsibilities in own strength to foolish wisdom.Ms 25a, 1891, par. 13–15 Losing happens when backbiting continues and servants fail to love as brethren, hurting absent influence and believing reports without going to the one in error, and if it does not cease the Spirit will suddenly be withdrawn.Lt 175, 1902, par. 7 Losing is linked to failing to follow Christ's self-sacrificing example calling to repent and be converted shown in loving ministry to win souls and taking burden for souls.Lt 159, 1901, par. 20–21+1

The church has failed to love supremely yet returning is possible with a clean break so love burns again and fellowship is restored opening the way to grace, and those who keep from the beginning grow in grace with increasing fellowship, piety, purity and holy zeal in tireless service through faith working by love.RH Nov 5, 1914+1 Leaving means failing to weave devotion into every transaction, neglecting home religion and driving Christ's religion from the soul for speculation, leaving God out of calculations and putting out spiritual eyesight leaving great need for anointing, avoided only when diligence in business is joined with fervor in serving.Ms 29a, 1890, par. 44+3 Leaving means being drawn into temptation and danger of becoming prey, and those who have done so must discern condition and return by seeking the Lord while He may be found, facing about to be gained for Christ who died to save from allurements.Ms 31, 1906, par. 21+1

Leaving means losing zeal after first receiving light which warmed the heart by Christ's unspeakable love and is kept by at once working with God to present truth to high and low, but is lost by neglecting to impart what was received so that those who leave do not appreciate the Word, do not share blessings, are unmoved by sacrifice, criticize yet refuse to help, and lose the blessedness of working beside Christ.Ms 59, 1902, par. 60–61 Leaving means no longer loving supremely shown in evil thinking, false accusing, self-indulgence and opposing brethren, with cold worldliness driving love out in Laodicean self-satisfaction while faith as gold grows dim with robe unworn in legal loveless religion, calling for emptying of self to become new bottles animated by love or be removed.Lt 70, 1895, par. 6–7+2 Ephesus brought denunciation by particular sins quenching love, quenched by whatever makes believers worldly, forgetful of responsibility, opening the heart to pride or sensuality, enfeebling courage and fostering covetousness and dishonest dealing, calling now to search out and repent with Christ imparting grace for body and soul while no lawlessness robbing another will be overlooked.Lt 3, 1902, par. 21

Early love for Christ and fellows can grow cold by breathing the world's influence leaving people dull and paralyzed with worldly molding bringing paralysis, and affiliation with worldly people can turn away causing loss of zeal as Israel's alliances brought evil and weakened identity.7MR 71.3+2 Believers can lose love for God and one another as zeal wanes and devotion declines accompanying neglect of truth's central purpose when attention turns from Jesus to speculation, and believers once ardent lost strength by failing to hold confidence firm letting weakened faith and dwelling on differences separate from Christ and destroy unity.AA 580.1–2+1 Losing is turning from the living God to seek strength from the world through alliances and dependence on unbelievers causing loss of identity, leavening, moral weakness, disappointment and loss of souls, and what happened to Israel will happen to all who do the same.Ms 132, 1903, par. 9–10

Falling is refusing to be missionaries cooperating with heavenly forces under Christ hardening in indolent profession that will not yoke, indulging self out of harmony, and living agents who refuse to become missionaries and practice gentleness fall and must repent quickly or light goes out yet God will still have witnesses.Lt 16d, 1892, par. 18–19+1 Losing is spiritual failure calling for new experience with ministers urged to humble, renew consecration and labor faithfully, and for reformation shown by selfish sharp business damaging witness requiring repentance rather than defense.RH Nov 8, 1906+1 Leaving makes religion weak and sickly applied to members whose waned devotion leads to disobeying directions to take the gospel to those in darkness.RH Feb 9, 1905 Leaving results in fruitless profession where one may pray from habit yet lack acceptableness accompanied by blindness, hardness and stubbornness, leaving only leaves when Christ hungers for fruits.RH Jun 9, 1903+2

Christ holds leaving against His people, and nearly all have lost, yet believers who lost including strayed sheep are to be visited, and those who keep grow in grace.RH Nov 5, 1914+1 Losing is loss of consecration and departing from fervor leaving worldly inability to appreciate mercy, and is decline calling for revival and reformation to bring love back.Ms 73a, 1900, par. 17+4 First love for Christ is joined to unselfish love moving those who received new life to share it and help bring others to repentance.Ms 17, 1901, par. 3–4 Many have grown cold calling for advancement, and the Lord calls those who once knew truth but backslid to return reformed requiring the mind enlightened to discern good and evil with malice uprooted and the heart cleansed so sin removed by blood melts the soul with love and abhorrence of sin.STB 365.1+2

The verse shows the True Witness walking among candlesticks speaking to His remnant repeating the Jews' experience where love of God wanes while love of self springs up and with loss for God comes loss for brethren, so a church may have works yet fail in vital godliness.Ms 84, 1894, par. 14–15 It shows God's people at present have forgotten warnings sent and are in strange religious position, sent to those professing present truth as a call to read, search hearts and heed instruction to repent and return with promise to the overcomer to eat of the tree of life.Ms 24, 1905, par. 2–5 It rebukes loss of love to be cherished, means God's people need all light and must pray for His Spirit rather than walking in darkness without hope, and shows love hardly abiding leading to selfishness, suspicion, envy, neglected prayer, formal religion and deadness so the name of Jesus no longer kindles and only hope is to repent and do first work.STA 101.1–102.2+2

It shows love is a central grace that can be cultivated in abundance, and shows the love imparted is the active principle making fruitful, and shows first love must be kept fresh by sharing with those outside joined to practical faith purifying the soul.Lt 16, 1903, par. 3–5+2 It means love has grown cold while He searches hearts and gives according to works, and means lack of love and respect is leaving and is a moral fall requiring humbling, confessing and doing first works or the Lord will humble and remove, with promise of power over nations and the morning star to him who overcomes.Ms 52, 1898, par. 31–33+1 It shows the church ceased to cherish love which embraced the brethren, and when they ceased loving those for whom Christ died they would soon lose love for Christ, with waning love proving failure to love God wholly, while restored love heals divisions so Ephraim does not envy Judah and unites all as branches of the Vine.Lt 44, 1898, par. 5–7+4

It shows leaving is departure seen in loss of tenderness learned in His school, calling for zealous return to vital connection, and shows the church deficient with commendable activity not making up for a cold heart, calling believers back to Christlike meekness for those for whom Christ died.Lt 50, 1897, par. 15–16+2 It means love for Christ has grown so little that His valuation of souls is no longer comprehended and good works lack savor and amount to nothing without Christ, and means being destitute of love for one another cherishing selfishness and covetousness allowing bitterness with hearts hard as steel toward brethren.Ms 162, 1902, par. 30–34+1 It means the love of Jesus has been lost and must be regained now, for self has grown so large that Christ is not manifested and cannot own His people, calling the church to be aroused to realize her moral fall, with loss of vital gold where faith and love are lost and treasure dimmed by drawing apart to accusing which belongs to Satan.Lt 208a, 1902, par. 49–51+2

It means losing ardor, gratitude, testimonies, tears, prayers and yearning sympathy felt when first conscious of Jesus' love, lost when labor meets coldness quenching effort and leaving a vacuum filled with pride and departure from simplicity with Christ-love scarcely mentioned, so His love must remain invincible through living active faith after His example with humility and stewardship.Ms 21, 1890, par. 10–13 It means failing to love God wholly and neighbor as self, seeking self-benefit, holding contrary principles, misrepresenting Christ and betraying His cause proving truth not in the sanctuary and law a dead letter, shown in little faith and failure to respect burden-bearers, calling to remember, repent and do again unselfish works which lets truth prosper as a burning lamp.Lt 41, 1890, par. 44–45+2 Verses four and five call God's people to return and put whole soul into preparing for the coming first in self then by example, with the first work bringing Jesus' love into the soul, and call to steadily advance in holiness drawing near so He draws near and works mightily with answered prayer, strength, blessing and light leading others to unite.Lt 94, 1900, par. 7–10+1

Leaving calls for return, and God will work through each member who opens the heart in living faith, with renewal shown by putting self aside, living at peace and helping the needy, being faithful in little duties and repairing breaches.Ms 154, 1904, par. 29–31+3 Leaving is want of love seen when churches claiming last-day truth do not abide, go from strength to strength or kindle others, quenching light gradually like a bright candle going out, calling for repentance though out of fashion before the Spirit ceases striving, with yearning presentation of eternal attractions.Lt 19d, 1892, par. 9–11 The church has left and the early experience of receiving truth then losing zeal can repeat in every generation, with purity of faith deciding the future amid soon-coming strange things calling for immediate reformation and burden for souls.Ms 136, 1902, par. 22

The church in Ephesus had excellent qualities yet even where much is commendable Christ has something against it, and even those with excellent qualifications fall under rebuke, for no outward service suffices without genuine heart service and no feverish activity can supply true devotion leaving salt without savor and lacking perfume of Christlike love, a fatal spiritual disease if not checked and a fall from high to low standard where all other qualifications are worthless.Lt 134, 1901, par. 31–32+2 First love is self-denying love with light proved by self-denial, and is a living fire, and whether it burns is revealed by treatment of the suffering, while helping heavenward shows it burns and judging reveals failure.Ms 12, 1902, par. 37–38+1 First love is the love of God which must not be lost, and keeping it means hearts of pity that help rather than cut to pieces, living with reason, judgment and sanctification as ever-learning children, since knowledge cannot replace it and without it no one is ready for heaven.Ms 22, 1903, par. 26–27+1

Losing brings displeasure revealing need for converting power, and leaves people unable to see eternal realities while serving Satan under shadow, but seeing God's love brings sight and praise, with great weakness in churches caused by self requiring a wholly sanctified will, falling on the Rock and crucifying self.Ms 4, 1902, par. 1+3 As first love grows cold selfishness, suspicion, harmful speech, envy, jealousy and hardness take root, and cooling opens the door to evil surmising, criticism, strife and love of supremacy proving cooperation with Satan, calling to fall broken on the Rock to be molded as a vessel unto honor lest inner light become great darkness.Ms 168, 1902, par. 4+4 Leaving turns to self-centered jealousy, mistrust, rivalry, bitterness and hatred, failing to value Christ's excellencies and not representing Him, making service unacceptable and requiring return to first work, with jumbled character kind today and harsh tomorrow controlled by selfishness without full surrender given another trial or separation from His work.18MR 204.2–205.3+1

Leaving means losing Christlike tenderness and becoming harsh, capricious, magnifying small faults and exposing the erring, while first love suffers long, forbears, covers sins and will not needlessly expose wrongs, requiring humbling, confessing coldness, seeking forgiveness and restoring relationships lest souls be lost, for love is a precious plant to be cultivated to be strong and fruitful toward the tempted.Lt 50, 1893, par. 10–12+1 Leaving means losing the talent of love as a most sacred trust, for God's love saved the race from eternal death, and gives the pattern for reproof today to let commendation for earnest labor come first then faithful reproof from Him who holds the seven stars under whose care His people stand.Ms 136, 1902, par. 6–8 When many have lost He looks with disapproval, and the trouble of Laodicea is leaving by being lukewarm having light yet not giving it in works which disgusts Christ.Ms 4, 1902, par. 1+1

Leaving means losing love leading to failure to esteem faithful workers, while love for Jesus cannot remain hidden but shines in love and service without domineering, and means lacking love and respect requiring humbling, confessing, repenting or the Lord will humble and remove.Lt 32, 1906, par. 1+1 It warns those who disparage and harm others have left wholehearted love for God and neighbor, calling for first works of repentance lest the heart harden and perception decline, and warns that indifference and neglect can bring an end to admonitions leaving people to follow own light.Ms 13, 1892, par. 1+1 It shows loss is a spiritual disease fatal if not checked and a moral fall affecting entire religious life with hatred of brethren and loss of faith making blind, catching at words, suspecting, seeing nothing valuable, vindicating self and uprooting confidence, with those refusing reform receiving heaven's punishment.Lt 134, 1901, par. 31–32+1

It shows ministers and churches may preach theory and have virtues yet have Christ against them with hearts destitute while holding truth, when brother combats brother from a wicked spirit proving Christ not abiding by faith.Ms 43a, 1898, par. 27–28 It calls the church to remember former devotion and return to works done at first where leaving means losing earlier love, used in appeal to give wholly to Him.17MR 38.5–39.1 It shows God's people have suffered a spiritual fall with love gone so accusing, coldness and distrust reign where love should, forgetting warnings sent, sent to those professing present truth as a call to read, search hearts and heed instruction to repent and return.Ms 24, 1905, par. 2–5+1 It describes decline linked to skepticism requiring surrender for cleansing, and shows need of all light from the Saviour with prayer for His Spirit to work God's works rather than walking in darkness without hope.Ms 155, 1902, par. 16–17+1

It shows a church can labor faithfully yet have left, which is the love filling the heart at genuine conversion when Christ was seen by faith bringing light and power, and believers must keep that first experience alive each day by lifelong striving with self-denial receiving love passing knowledge only with the whole heart.Ms 161, 1904, par. 21–22+1 It shows loss requires remembrance, repentance and renewed action, and shows loss is a spiritual condition that must be realized and turned from seen in backsliders in contrast to newly converted young people whose conversion calls for praise, with opportunity to repent a gracious reason for gratitude.Lt 160, 1903, par. 7–10+2 It reproves acknowledged believers while crediting good qualities, tied to retaining guilt and continuing evil while building false assurance, and rebukes those gone out of the way calling everyone to stand without fault on higher ground.Ms 34, 1905, par. 1–2+1

It holds believers accountable for abandoning love and applies to a community lacking love which with unbelief must be repented, and applies to backsliders among those addressed by reproofs.13MR 332.3+1 It belongs to the last testimony to John, and the messages portray supervision of every individual calling for close self-examination, with the rebuke showing discrimination in weighing character, thoughts, words, acts and whom each loves and serves, the names symbolic of periods and seven indicating completeness still in force portraying wheat among tares.Ms 81, 1900, par. 54–56+1 It means being destitute of tenderness, compassion, generosity and nobility seen in harsh, discourteous, self-seeking conduct and desire for supremacy even in institutions professing light, where burning love appears in unselfish blessing but hard loveless religion drives souls to Satan's net and endangers entrusted light, requiring change or removal.Ms 168, 1902, par. 28–29+4

It means failing to keep affections on Christ, and ministers leaving lose love which means much since Jesus is needed every moment, with correct theory exalting intellect yet leaving hearers unsatisfied for lack of warmth, making religion cold like an icicle or stern duty or mere stimulus rather than abiding faith.9MR 299.1–3+1 It brings coldness with eyes taken off Jesus and lost love for souls so where believers once warned and won they become silent, grasping means and leaving undone work with grave evils sapping life, and brings God's controversy applied to managers showing unled spirit.Ms 78, 1900, par. 20+2 It is wandering into strange paths as Galatia, and returning requires full surrender to atoning grace and genuine personal experience without which none will be saved, by which all who surrender are clothed with righteousness and stand free revealing love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance.AA 388.2–3

It is becoming lukewarm calculating how long safe while probation passes, with Christ having right to entire consecration with every power improved for His glory and others' well-being, requiring growth since without growth there is no spiritual life.Lt 118, 1896, par. 10–11 It is lost through selfish indulgence introduced into families pervading the church departing from simplicity with little appreciation, losing fervor so no song awakes and murmuring replaces praise, requiring return to simplicity with zeal or the candlestick will be moved.20MR 215.3–216.1 A person leaves when Christ's religion is displaced shown by neglected home worship, growing business cares outweighing truth and neglect of Bible weakening truth and blinding sight, which is shipwreck and robbery toward God avoided only when devotion is interwoven into every transaction with diligence joined to fervor.Ms 29a, 1890, par. 44+1 A person can lose after rich experience through persistent criticism needing a broken heart to be brought back, and can leave love once felt yet that love can burn again with a clean break opening the way to grace.Lt 46, 1892, par. 19+1

First love is the ardent tender love felt when first embracing truth marked by hope, courage and joy needing renewal through sustained labor after trials, and is the fervor of newborn souls pouring thanksgiving clothed with beautiful garments as potent agencies who must grow.Lt 95, 1892, par. 5–7+1 First love is lost when trying to chastise others instead of self, requiring subduing self and fear of losing by chastising others, and is lost by keeping self in one's own hands thinking highly of self.Lt 95, 1901, par. 12–14+1 Not leaving means remaining united through faith just as when first receiving, rooted and established with self dying and love increasing, and keeping power constantly is fresh luster of righteousness meaning increased faith, hope, reliance, joy and assurance in His mercy shown by displaying goodness from refuge in Him.Lt 120a, 1898, par. 4+1 The church needs individual repentance and must put whole soul into preparing first in self then by example bringing Jesus' love into the soul, a close personal testimony to be heeded by each member rather than depending on ministers.Ms 30a, 1896, par. 4+1

Those who have known truth can lose love of it needing awakening by unceasing warning with tenderness, tears and prayers laying hold on souls in highways and byways without waiting for costly arrangement, and those described as having lost need renewal invited to seek God in prayer for the Spirit.Ms 27, 1895, par. 5–7+1 Keeping constantly means increased faith and assurance toward those who love and fear Him.Lt 12, 1896, par. 1–4

Leaving is a serious fallen state that cannot be afforded, in which burning converting power is dropped though duties continue, and renewed love is expressed by returning to faithful action.Ms 151, 1904, par. 5–9+2 Leaving brings an unsteady condition in which faith is not kept and one can remain for years, with purpose no longer steadfast and faith weak requiring thorough transformation and reconversion.Lt 23, 1904, par. 5–6+1 Without this love knowledge, abilities, outward zeal and service are worthless, grace is not shared and light does not shine, and delay leaves vulnerability to last-day deceptions.RH Dec 15, 1904 One may once have delighted in doing the will, studying the word and faithfully joining in prayer, yet later become indifferent and depart from the love that quickened the heart.2T 293.2

Where first love exists there is unity and in unity there is strength, warming teachers and learners quickened together by the Spirit drinking from the same fountain and moved to good works for Jesus and those purchased by His blood.RH Mar 11, 1902 First love is love to Christ as a living principle not a fitful feeling, lived out in the life as an abiding power and not only spoken in words, and when it wanes it is sure proof ministers and people have left.RH Mar 11, 1902 Those who lost must hear the True Witness, remember, repent and do first works or be removed.RH Mar 11, 1902

Losing love for Christ and fellows is grievous sin harming spiritual life that must be repented, with evil speaking forsaken and wrongs addressed firmly but kindly without losing love.Lt 31, 1903, par. 9–10 Leaving means losing love for Christ and one another linked with cherished sin and hardness of heart.13MR 331.1

First love is the simple heartfelt devotion of those converted by mercy, the fervor of new believers to be kept by proclaiming, living and sharing truth with others.4MR 309.2–310.2+2 Losing that simplicity and warmth risks drying up the moisture of the Spirit and losing His influence.Lt 32, 1910, par. 6–7+1 It is a bright happy cheerful hopeful experience with spirit and life rather than formality, with hearts brimming with gratitude ready to respond and glad testimonies disclaiming human power since only the Spirit touches the heart.4MR 309.2–310.2

A church can hold truth, be established in doctrine and resist evil yet be reproved for leaving, through fading realization of the greatness of love shown in infinite sacrifice to redeem fallen humanity.RH Feb 25, 1904 The True Witness mingles encouragement with reproof, calling for reformation through individual heart-searching needful in all ages, for leaving means love must be revived and profession for Him is not accepted without love for brethren.Ms 121, 1899, par. 44–47

A church can lose warmth and early devotion becoming cold unable to sustain heaven-born piety, whose first works were loving efforts to tell friends and acquaintances what Jesus meant to them.ST2 33.2+4 Believers can become fallen and must repent with Christ the Redeemer remaining central hope rather than the world, for love for God is the source of spiritual life distinguishing Christian from worldly life.Lt 60, 1894, par. 21 Unless renewed by the Spirit's baptism and return to those works the candlestick will be removed, and ministry cannot rely on human ability or cleverness but must bear Christ's character.ST2 33.2+3 That first love was childlike fervor bringing brightness, peace, comfort and trust, uniting in firm sentiment and action to receive every word, keep unspotted while caring for the needy, and burn with desire to win souls in every city until multitudes learn the reason of hope.Ms 78, 1900, par. 11–14

First love is lost when faith does not grow and holiness is not daily, so freshness and power fade, calling to draw near, consecrate and return to first works or influence harms unbelievers and the candlestick is removed.ST Sep 18, 1901+1 Losing comes from letting past dealings slip from remembrance, failing to repeat how He worked as wonder-working God and set waymarks, while mind diverts to trifles, whereas keeping history familiar by memorials, song and teaching children confirms faith.9MR 134.3–135.2

Leaving is a moral fall with no lessening without a fall, applied to those loosening foundations by objectionable theories endangering faith, and its warning to last days is that unity requires firm adherence to right principles.Lt 95, 1905, par. 5–8+2

Loss is proved by cold hardheartedness toward the distressed longing for pardon and peace, and by failure to carry love into family life through merciful service to struggling followers though just and patient outwardly.Ms 7, 1895, par. 14–19+1 It is shown in lack of peace and love discouraging those needing help, and in lack of tenderness and discernment toward the straying, requiring seeking and lifting up rather than harshly pushing down or condemning.Lt 36, 1895, par. 20–25+2 All must remember the fall, repent and return to former works or lose place as a church.Ms 7, 1895, par. 14–19+3

Loss of early devotion is why there is less power and dimmer light, requiring heart-searching, conversion, putting away discord to blend heart with heart and daily prayer for those dead in sin so stony hearts break.Ms 117, 1903, par. 27–30+1 Pleading for others makes the praying heart more sensitive to its own sin, preparing to meet Christ in peace at His near coming lest the candlestick be removed.Ms 117, 1903, par. 27–30+1

Speculative theories lessen knowledge and dishonor Him, and presenting theories cannot suffice without love giving fragrance to words and works, for loss of that love is loss of all, requiring repentance or He will no longer be with them.Lt 247, 1903, par. 2–3+1 This applies to long-standing believers become hard, judgmental, critical and fault-finding, and to last-day hearers who must consider the warning.Ms 148, 1903, par. 12–18+1

A living Christian has not left while leaving fails to maintain consecration, leaving the blind forgetting purging from sins yet invited to partnership under divine instruction since without Christ nothing can be done.Ms 151, 1897, par. 45 Church members can be unconverted and cold because they have left, with backsliding not excused when they received light.RH Mar 22, 1906

Losing is a serious mistake where love grown from love for Christ is not carried out in faithful care, applied to neglecting to watch over souls and teach children, where neglect leads others to neglect and steadfast care encourages faithfulness.Ms 159, 1904, par. 14–16

Christ rebuked Ephesus while commending hatred of the Nicolaitans' deeds, unsparingly condemning the doctrine that the gospel releases from being doers of the word.ST Feb 25, 1897 First love and first works mean faith joined to obedience, for true faith does not make imputed righteousness a substitute or cloak for transgression.ST Feb 25, 1897