2:7Revelation 2:7

Christ speaks through the Spirit to every church, calling all who can hear to listen, take heed, and obey.STB 404.5–405.1+4 To the one who overcomes He promises the right to eat from the tree of life in the midst of God's Paradise, which is eternal life, immortal glory, and a whole heaven without sorrow, pain, or death.Ms 5, 1901, par. 1–3+4 That tree is Christ Himself, the fountain of life and immortality, whose branches reach to this world so that the overcomer need not wait until heaven but may eat now by coming to Him in faith, receiving His words, and living by the truth.8T 288.3–4+4 Overcoming is a personal, lifelong conflict that no one else can decide, requiring repentance, return to first love and first works, victory over self, appetite, the world and the devil, and endurance to the end, yet it is possible because Jesus fought and won the battle in human nature and enables victory through the Holy Spirit.Lt 113, 1893, par. 1–10+4 In the end the redeemed will enter the New Jerusalem, where the tree grows on either side of the river of life with healing leaves and monthly fruit, and Jesus Himself will lead them to it and welcome them home.4SP 464.2–465.1+4

The call is Christ Himself speaking through the Spirit to the churches, addressed to everyone who has an ear to hear, heed, and take heed.STB 404.5–405.1+4 It closes His message to Ephesus after commendation and reproof, and the same call closes His message to Thyatira, urging believers to hold fast what they have until He comes and to overcome and keep His works to the end to receive authority over the nations and the morning star.STB 404.5–405.1+1 It is directed to professed Christians, including church members who have lost first love, zeal, and interest in spiritual things and need to hear warning.6T 76.4–77.2 It declares that He knows their works, and it holds lessons the church needs to learn and is of great value to all who will receive it.Ms 78, 1900, par. 32–33 The promise joined to it belongs to those who arouse, put on Christ, heed His positive requirements, confess sin, leave forbidden paths, grow spiritually, form a character written in the book of life, walk in implicit obedience after the example of their Substitute and Surety, and make a determined personal decision in His name and strength whether the promise shall be theirs.Ms 24, 1890, par. 3–5+1

To hear to purpose is to receive sacred truth, become wise in it, and take up the God-given work instead of neglecting it.Ms 29, 1890, par. 31+2 Those who hear in this way get the burden of the message revealed to the churches, say to others Come, invite others to come, and in doing so become laborers together with God.Ms 29, 1890, par. 31+2 The word is therefore to be presented clearly and powerfully so hearers can receive the gospel, and those who do not yet know it may accept it and carry it to others.GW 352.3–353.1 Hearing joined to overcoming means Christ's power is available to those who seek it, with hearers urged to struggle for mastery and freedom from every sinful practice and corrupt habit, with rebuke of carelessness, backsliding, and sin so that people repent and confess, and with no excusing or compromising with evil habits.Ms 26a, 1892, par. 24–26

True hearing requires securing by faith the heavenly anointing, the oil of grace that keeps the lamps burning, and the divine anointing of spiritual eyesight to distinguish the light of truth from the darkness of error.Ms 24, 1890, par. 3–5+2 It means opening wide the door of the heart to precious rays of light from the Sun of Righteousness and receiving the words of Christ gladly.Ms 21, 1891, par. 22–24 Selfishness, egotism, pride, stubbornness of heart, and the idolized idol of personal opinion stand between the soul and the true light, blind the heart and spiritual eyesight, and cause men to see only what they wish to see and refuse to come to Christ that they might have life.9MR 298.1–3+1 Those who open the heart to the light, fear God, yield a strong will to God's will, honestly confess sin, walk in the constantly shining light that enlightens every man, and overcome pride and resistance receive the promise to eat of the tree of life in the midst of the paradise of God, and the secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him.9MR 298.1–3+1

Hearing is personal and present, meaning to hear not the voice of the human agent but what the Spirit says to the churches.Lt 45, 1900, par. 22–23 Each person must know for himself what the Spirit says or he will fail and lose his bearings, for God's warning is no human invention and no one has excuse for refusing to listen, but should seek to understand and obey it.Lt 120, 1908, par. 4–6+1 It means watching and praying, trusting in the living Word, forming character after the divine similitude, being daily converted to God, willingly consecrating self to Him, and spiritually discerning spiritual things with an individual knowledge of what the Lord requires and an experience in the things of God instead of doing as he pleases.Lt 120, 1908, par. 4–6 It calls for approaching God with a receptive, humble, teachable heart, ready to give up views that conflict with Scripture and obey its truth, with words and actions that affect not only one's own character but the character of those around, and with speakers seeking God's presence to offer words valuable and fitting rather than cheap talk.Ms 29, 1901, par. 21+2 With the end of all things at hand and little time yet granted, it calls for deep earnestness to prepare for the future life and to meet the Lord when He comes in the clouds with power and glory with joy, preaching the truth of the living God in clear straight lines and living it in clear straight practice before people beguiled by heresies and false doctrines where men are glorified and humanity exalted, since no one can be forced to believe.Lt 45, 1900, par. 22–23+1

Having ears does not guarantee hearing, for some who have ears will not hear, will not receive sacred truth, and will not become wise in it or in Scripture.Ms 29, 1890, par. 31+2 Resisting even one ray of heavenly light makes it easier to refuse light again, until resisting and rejecting ray after ray forms a habit of rejection.9MR 298.1–3+1 That habit can end in loss of a precious experience more valuable than silver and gold and in rejection of Christ.9MR 298.1–3+1 The message given to John was meant to be read, understood, and valued in future ages, yet some who hear the call refuse the message and fail to respond.Ms 6, 1890, par. 2–3+1

The call was brought by Christ Himself from heaven to John on the Isle of Patmos and repeated over and over in the messages to the seven churches.Ms 154, 1903, par. 6–9 The repetition shows the value Christ places on studying Revelation, diligently studying the Revelation of Jesus Christ given on Patmos and keeping the things written therein because the time is at hand.ST Feb 4, 1903+1 Revelation is not too mystical to be understood and taught to students, and the call means all the churches need reformation and need present truth, not suppositions and vagaries.Ms 154, 1903, par. 6–9 It guards against things contrary to truth and spiritualistic ideas that have no scriptural foundation.Ms 154, 1903, par. 6–9 The promise to the overcomer to eat of the tree of life in the midst of the paradise of God means a crown of unfading glory and a life that measures with the life of God, a reward so great that eye has not seen nor ear heard nor heart conceived the things God has prepared for those who love Him, calling for striving to obtain an abundant entrance into the kingdom.ST Feb 4, 1903

The promise closes the message to Ephesus, coming after commendation of works and labor and patience and rejection of evil and false apostles and endurance for His name without fainting.Ms 81, 1900, par. 67–70 It follows loving reproof for leaving the first love, with the call to remember from where fallen and repent and do the first works, or have the candlestick removed out of its place.Ms 24, 1905, par. 2–5+1 Overcoming here means repenting from leaving the first love and doing the first works again, for leaving the first love is a moral fall affecting the entire religious life.Ms 1, 1906, par. 7–10 That fall shows itself in hatred of brethren, blindness, loss of faith in brethren, suspicion and distrust, catching at words and actions and interpreting them as injustice, vindicating self while disparaging others and uprooting confidence in them, which dishonors God and tramples truth.Ms 1, 1906, par. 7–10 Unless there is repentance and reform from this course, the candlestick will be removed and the punishment of heaven received, and with that reproof the promise to the overcomer of life in God's paradise stands for admonition.Ms 81, 1900, par. 67–70+1

It belongs to messages from Him who has the seven stars in His right hand and walks in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks and has charge of the churches as chief in authority in whom all superiority is invested.Ms 198, 1899, par. 31–33+1 Because He holds that place, no one man is to take jurisdiction as supreme authority over a church, institution, or sanitarium, confining its running and decisions to one man's supervision, but ministers and physicians are to blend, consult together in united wise counsel, and each act from his own individual mind while seeking divine wisdom by prayerful study of the Word.Ms 198, 1899, par. 31–33 The seven names are symbolic of the Christian church in different periods of the Christian era, the number seven indicates completeness, and the messages extend to the end of time and are in force today.Ms 81, 1900, par. 54–56 They portray the state of things existing in the churches of the religious world today, continuing through Pergamos, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea, rebuking selfishness that leaves destitute fields unworked and calling for earnest effort to put workers into those fields.Ms 81, 1900, par. 54–56+1 The figures used are symbolic of the state of God's professed people as wheat developing among tares, with truth standing on its own eternal basis in contrast with error, and the second chapter holds lessons the church needs to learn.Ms 78, 1900, par. 32–33+1

In this message He knows works, repeating that He knows their works and labor, weighs the characters of those who take His name, and keeps every individual under His supervision.Ms 78, 1900, par. 32–33+2 He knows the thoughts and intents of the heart as well as every word and act, the full religious experience, and whom each loves and serves.Ms 81, 1900, par. 54–56 The faith of those set as watchmen on the walls of Zion is never to be eclipsed, for they watch for souls as those who must give an account.Ms 78, 1900, par. 32–33 This message is of great value to all who will receive it, and hearing and receiving it means showing a faith corresponding to profession by sanctified activity in the Lord's work, with ministers not hovering over the churches but going outside the camp to warn unbelievers, and young men going forth into the harvest field to prove themselves called and chosen and faithful.Ms 78, 1900, par. 32–33

The verse describes the condition of the church at the present time as a spiritual fall, where the love of God has gone out and accusing and coldness and distrust reign.Ms 24, 1905, par. 2–5 Those who profess present truth must read and understand its warning and promise and search their own hearts, remembering from whence fallen, repenting, and doing the first works again.Ms 24, 1905, par. 2–5+1 Overcoming the loss of first love is the repentance called for at this time, when earnest, vital love for Jesus has been dying out and believers must by faith secure the heavenly anointing, the oil of grace which keeps the lamps burning, so they can discern their defects and their destitution of the love of God.Ms 24, 1890, par. 3–5+1 Then the promise to eat of the tree of life in the midst of the paradise of God belongs to those who arouse, put on Jesus Christ, and heed His positive requirements, returning to when the love of God pervaded the soul with its energizing, transforming power, when faith was simple, confidence in the Lord was trustful, the name of Jesus was precious, His love melted and subdued the proud heart, and His knock at the door of the heart met response in opening and welcoming the heavenly Guest.Ms 24, 1890, par. 3–5 It presents the longing, yearning love of Jesus holding out the attractions of eternal life so His people catch the glory of the future world and regain their first love for Jesus and for one another, repent, abide in Christ, bear fruit to the glory of God, and go from strength to strength instead of degenerating into weakness and letting their once-bright light go out like Ephesus, which did not heed warning and maintain vital connection with Christ.Lt 19d, 1892, par. 9–11+1

It is applied to professed Christians, including church members who have lost their first love, zeal, or interest in spiritual things, and who need to hear a warning to heed what the Spirit says to them.6T 76.4–77.2 It applies to people who have received great light but have not opened their hearts to Christ and His knock, calling them to hear and heed the Spirit while holding out the tree of life to those who overcome.4MR 321.2+1 God has a controversy with them because the warnings of heaven have not been heeded, the Spirit of God is withdrawing from the world, and destructive fires by omnipotent power warn God's own people to beware lest the same condition come among them.Ms 18, 1903, par. 6

The tree stands in the midst of the paradise of God and in His garden, and its glory surpassed that of all the other trees.Ms 41, 1902, par. 12–15+2 Its fruit has supernatural virtue to perpetuate immortality, serving as the antidote of death so that to eat was to live forever, while its leaves sustain life and immortality and have healing properties.Ms 41, 1902, par. 12–15+4 In Eden that fruit was available on condition, but Adam and Eve lost their right to it through disobedience and it was eventually withdrawn.Ms 41, 1902, par. 12–15+2 Through Adam's disobedience in eating of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil death entered the world, and man shut himself off from the tree of life.Ms 41, 1902, par. 12–15+3

After Adam broke that test over the forbidden tree, humanity shut itself off from the tree and it was transplanted to the paradise above, moved to the paradise above when sin entered the world.8T 288.1–2+3 Yet its branches hang over the wall to the lower world and reach toward the lower world, so that through redemption its life-giving fruit may still be eaten.8T 288.1–2+2 The gifts of the future life, by contrast with Eden's conditional gift, are absolute and eternal.ED 302.1 No flaming sword bars the way to the tree and no power can prevent a soul from partaking, so all may come and eat and receive life forever.6T 19.3+1

In the heavenly city, the New Jerusalem, the tree grows beside the stream that goes out from the throne of God, standing beside the river of life on either side of the river of life.CT 63.2+3 There it is united at the top, and the redeemed gather beneath its branches to see its glorious fruit, which looks like gold mixed with silver.SG2 34.1 It bears fruit every month, with leaves for the healing of the nations.CT 63.2

The tree of life was a type of Christ, the one great source of immortality and fountain of life in whom is life and light, and obedience to Him is life-giving power that gladdens the soul.8T 288.3–4+2 In Eden its fruit had supernatural virtue as the antidote of death so that to eat was to live forever, and its leaves were for the sustaining of life and immortality.Ms 41, 1902, par. 12–15+2 Through Adam's disobedience in eating of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil death entered the world and man shut himself off from the tree.Ms 41, 1902, par. 12–15+2 Through redemption purchased by His blood its life-giving fruit is again available, and life and immortality are now brought to light through Jesus Christ.8T 288.3–4+3

To everyone who believes Christ Himself is as the tree of life in the paradise of God.Lt 42, 1896, par. 4+3 His branches reach down to this lower world so that the blessings He purchased are brought within reach, and from this tree believers may pluck and eat.Lt 42, 1896, par. 4+2 Giving all of themselves to Christ, they communicate what they freely received from Jesus the Restorer to others by guiding others to the tree that they also may eat.Lt 42, 1896, par. 4+1 By studying Him, beholding Him, apprehending His character, and availing of His kindness, helpfulness and blessings, they grow in love toward God and in faith and peace and assurance and holiness, which is wholeness toward Him.Lt 37, 1896, par. 7 He is the hope and tree of life to the elect, with promise that by obedience to His law His people would be exalted as representatives of His goodness, mercy and love and sickness would not prey upon their bodies, while a course independent of God places men under the controlling power of Satan the destroyer.Ms 40, 1898, par. 12 At Nazareth He announced His work to restore and uplift humanity and to bring peace and happiness, representing the Father by giving life to the dead and restoring the sick and suffering to soundness and health, in direct opposition to Satan's work to condemn and destroy, to take away liberty and destroy life.Ms 136, 1899, par. 17–18

The overcomer need not wait until translation to eat of the tree in the paradise of God, for its branches hang over the wall to the lower world after it was transplanted to the paradise above.Ms 103, 1902, par. 1–3+1 To eat now is to come to Christ as the bread of life so as never to hunger, to believe on Him so as never to thirst, to eat His flesh and drink His blood and live by Him, and to receive His words as spirit and life.Ms 41, 1902, par. 12–15+3 It is to come to the Word and believe with the whole soul in God and in Jesus Christ whom He sent, appreciating the privileges granted and entering the open door by faith, so that they dwell in Christ and Christ in them as Christ lives by the Father.Ms 112, 1898, par. 9 It is the believing soul voluntarily appropriating the deep, pure, unadulterated truth of God's Word until it becomes the very life of the soul, without which inward appropriation there is no spiritual life.Ms 57, 1898, par. 26 Eating its leaves now means receiving the words of Christ into the heart, when the believer in fellowship of the Spirit lays hold upon truth itself and appropriates it, eating the bread that comes down from heaven, entering into the life of Christ, and appreciating the great sacrifice made for the sinful race, unto eternal life and resurrection at the last day.Ms 41, 1902, par. 12–15+2

The Comforter, given as Christ's representative to be ever present, presents its precious fruit to believers.ST Oct 22, 1896+1 His office work is to bring to remembrance all things Christ has spoken for comfort, giving hope and a sweet sense of forgiveness.Lt 37, 1896, par. 8+1 Receiving this fruit fills the soul with constant praise and gratitude and thanksgiving, uplifts the soul with a sense of security, and makes Christ's unfailing, inexhaustible righteousness become righteousness by faith.Lt 37, 1896, par. 8 Those who wait to hear what the Spirit says shall not hear in vain, for the Spirit brings His claims to remembrance so they are not forgotten or neglected, heard by fixing the eye upon Christ alone in quiet waiting upon Him as His voice says, Abide in me, and I in you.Ms 194, 1898, par. 22–23

Eating now is experienced by looking constantly to Jesus, eating His flesh and drinking His blood, drawing nigh to God so He will draw nigh, and walking in the light with heart and mind under divine supervision.Lt 112, 1901, par. 5 There is a tree of life with free access to all, where all may pluck and eat in this way by trusting in the Lord instead of looking to human beings for wisdom, so that nothing can prevail against them through sore annoyances and trials to come.Lt 112, 1901, par. 5 It is done by bringing rejoicing into experience, singing to the praise of God when depressed, rejoicing in the hope of eternal life set before them, and talking faith even when surrounded with darkness.ST Dec 30, 1903 Genuine communion with Christ, held with more faith, hope, courage and thanksgiving, expands into the joy of a glorified experience that gives a better understanding of the promise.Lt 113, 1901, par. 20–24

Christ directs those drawn to speculative knowledge and fruitless curiosity about hidden things toward the fruit of this tree and the narrow way to God, where they find the fountain of eternal life.8T 310.1+1 The tree is identified with God, and eating from it is linked with receiving salvation.Ms 18, 1895, par. 28

The promises belong only to the one who overcomes, not to one overcome by perverted appetite or bondage, and each soul must make a determined personal decision in the name and strength of Jesus whether the promise shall be his, for there is no spiritual growth until this is done.Lt 113, 1893, par. 1–10+2 Overcoming is not secured by proclaiming truth from the lips or by working earnestly to present it while the conscience feels its power, but requires a deeper work that breaks up supreme love of self and unbounded confidence in self, lets truth have sanctifying and constraining power upon heart and character, cleanses defiled thoughts and affections engrossed by worthless things, and makes the worker a converted and Christlike man.Lt 43, 1886, par. 10–11 That fitness is gained by studying the law of God, holding the heart to its searching principles as in a mirror, remembering what manner of man was seen there, and cleansing the soul temple.Lt 43, 1886, par. 10–11 Only true conversion with lips and mind and heart sanctified to God meets the condition for the reward given in the day of final reckoning, while men who devise plans to place man under the ruling of his fellow man reveal defective experience, produce a cheap experience, lead souls away from holiness and perfection, and hear Depart, for such ruling is a snare to divorce men from God.Lt 344, 1907, par. 4 Overcoming is thus connected with being saved and joining the redeemed at last, and the overcomer confesses sin, leaves forbidden paths, grows spiritually, forms a character that places his name in the book of life, practices the example of his Substitute and Surety, and walks in implicit obedience.Lt 113, 1893, par. 1–10+1

Overcoming on one's own account is possible because Jesus came and fought the battles with Satan in behalf of fallen humanity and overcame the wily foe, making it possible for every soul to overcome in the name and strength of Jesus on his own account and in his own behalf.Lt 113, 1893, par. 1–10+1 He took human nature and met its difficulties, dangers, and temptations without sin, so He sympathizes with people in suffering and gives them help through a living connection with God.10MR 176.1+1 Through His imparted righteousness and the power He provides, people are placed on vantage ground to gain victory over the world, the flesh, and the devil as Christ overcame, resisting pride, selfishness, and sinful desires, living in obedience to God's law, and developing complete character.7MR 320.1 Those who overcome through Him are complete in Him, enabled by the Holy Spirit to stand pure and faithful under temptation, with their names appearing in heaven.Lt 43, 1899, par. 55

Overcoming the loss of first love means remembering from whence fallen, repenting, and doing the first works again, which is the repentance called for at this time.Ms 24, 1890, par. 3–5+2 Leaving the first love is a moral fall affecting the entire religious life, showing itself in hatred of brethren, blindness, loss of faith in brethren, suspicion and distrust, catching at words and actions and interpreting them as injustice, vindicating self while disparaging others and uprooting confidence in them, which dishonors God and tramples truth, and unless there is repentance and reform the candlestick will be removed and the punishment of heaven received.Ms 1, 1906, par. 7–10 It requires by faith the heavenly anointing, the oil of grace which keeps the lamps burning, so defects and destitution of the love of God can be discerned, the soul aroused, Christ put on, and His positive requirements heeded when earnest vital love for Jesus has been dying out.Ms 24, 1890, par. 3–5 Jesus with longing, yearning love holds out the attractions of eternal life so His people catch the glory of the future world and regain first love for Him and for one another, repent, abide in Christ, bear fruit to His glory, and go from strength to strength instead of degenerating into coldness, weakness, inefficiency, and extinguished light.Lt 19d, 1892, par. 9–11+1 That regaining comes by making self-denial and self-sacrifice the first work, holding fast the profession of faith unto the end in labor of love conformed to Christ, when faith was simple, confidence trustful, the name of Jesus precious, His love melted and subdued the proud heart, and His knock met response in opening and welcoming the heavenly Guest, while those who refuse to deny self and grasp for self in high wages and selfish methods show no realization of first love and, unless they repent, will never receive the reward.Ms 24, 1890, par. 3–5+1

Overcoming means faithfully delivering the message God gives and enduring unto the end, and those who do so will eat of the fruit of the tree of life and drink from the river of life.1T 64.4–65.1+2 God preserves the overcomer from sinful exaltation by stretching out His hand to save and by using affliction to draw to Himself and keep humble.1T 64.4–65.1 Faithfulness may bring much suffering, but God's grace is sufficient, and those who remain faithful to the end receive eternal life pictured as eating from the tree in God's paradise, set against the fate of those who reject God.LSEGW 90.3–91.2+2

Overcoming is not easy because masterful self strives for the victory, and it means victory over hereditary and cultivated tendencies to wrong, subduing and crucifying the lower nature with all its inclinations, keeping the body under and bringing it into subjection, and uprooting every affection and impulse contrary to the will of God.Ms 47, 1896, par. 27+2 It means gaining victory over the world, the flesh, and the devil, resisting pride, selfishness, and sinful desires through imparted righteousness, obedience to God's law, and complete character.7MR 320.1 The Lord presents the right way yet compels no one to obey and forces His way upon no man, leaving those to whom He has given light free to receive or despise it, while their course is followed by sure results because cause must produce effect, as in His dealing with the children of Israel.Ms 47, 1896, par. 27+2 The Holy Spirit enables a person to overcome, but the person must repent and be converted, for God does not compel obedience.Lt 4, 1897, par. 5–6

As Adam lost Eden through appetite, people may overcome appetite through Christ and by temperance in all things regain Eden, especially denying appetite in obedience to God's wise restrictions.Lt 103, 1896, par. 29–39+1 Overcoming includes right habits of eating and drinking, and the food eaten helps or hinders the work of subduing the lower nature.14MR 297.1–3 Parents are under solemn obligation to live these habits and to set simple, wholesome, non-stimulating food before children, since a meat diet makes nervous children peevish, irritable, passionate, and impatient of restraint and destroys virtuous practice in mind, soul, and body.4MR 383.3

Overcoming is the reward of conquest, toil, and self-sacrifice granted at the end of a lifelong and incessant conflict of resisting and striving against sin, more than compensating for every wound, grief, sorrow, and sacrifice, resting on the infinite price paid for redemption and a love that passes knowledge.Lt 99, 1886, par. 6–8+1 It requires the greatest and most earnest effort now, self-denial, placing the entire affections upon Christ, fighting the good fight of faith lawfully, passing along doing faithful work without swerving, keeping the eye single to the glory of God, and showing strength not by strong feeling over unjust treatment but by self-control and firm check on strong emotion above retaliation under criticism and faultfinding.Lt 99, 1886, par. 6–8+1 It means being dead with Christ and living with Him, suffering for His sake and sharing His humiliation, refusing to deny Him, humbling the heart under reproofs and warnings, choosing God's way rather than one's own will, submitting to correction as needful for salvation, enduring chastening as sons, and losing life for His sake to find it, and those who thus exemplify His life will rejoice with Him, receive His glory, shine as the sun in the Father's kingdom, and inherit all things.Lt 133, 1905, par. 8–10 It requires having on the wedding garment of Christ's righteousness through soul culture, living as pilgrims and strangers seeking the city whose Builder and Maker is God rather than devoting time and money to beautify earthly homes, keeping the commandments, preserving union with the Source of light with clear steady rays, resisting decay, declension, spiritual death, and drifting from the Eternal Rock, reforming spirit and works, resisting deceptive teachings that mingle false claims with present truth, and developing character until fitted for heaven, with wills placed on the side of God's will in faithful obedience trusting His promises toward the heavenly city.Ms 143, 1901, par. 5–10+2

The promise is to be fastened upon by faith with hope in Jesus by youth and children and all who have little moral power to withstand temptation, and fastening hope upon Him as precious Redeemer gives joy and grace to be ever cheerful, hopeful, and full of joy, for He becomes strength and righteousness and clothes with salvation.Lt 44, 1875, par. 1–3 It belongs to all who overcome through the blood of the Lamb, of every color and nation, including the red man, the Chinese, and the African, who give their hearts to God in obedience and faith and lay hold on the hope of the gospel.STBk 158.2+1 Faith and obedience to Christ, not color, nationality, birth, or social standing, mark members of God's redeemed family, neither elevating nor diminishing anyone before God, but character and faith determine place among the redeemed.STBk 158.2+2 They are welcomed into the heavenly home before the throne with the same inheritance and welcome, exalted above kings and lordly men of earth to inherit the kingdom prepared from the foundation of the world amid songs of praise to God and the Lamb from the heavenly host with golden harps.Ms 6, 1891, par. 13+1

To the one who overcomes will be given the right to eat the life-giving fruit of the tree of life in the midst of the paradise of God.Ms 5, 1901, par. 1–3+3 That eating means a crown of unfading and immortal glory and a life that measures with the life of God.ST Feb 4, 1903+1 It means a whole heaven of bliss with no tempting devil and no sorrow, sickness, pain, nor death, surrounded with beautiful objects surpassing anything imaginable, a reward so great that eye has not seen nor ear heard nor heart conceived the things prepared for those who love Him.ST Feb 4, 1903+1 It is perfect bliss that may be foretasted in sanctification, held out to lead to heeding the word, pursuing the standard of perfection, striving against evil, and remaining faithful in the Christian life.Ms 5, 1901, par. 1–3+3 It is to be ever remembered as motive to strive for an abundant entrance into the kingdom by diligently studying Revelation and keeping the things written therein because the time is at hand, and to meet around the throne of God to see the King in His beauty.ST Feb 4, 1903+1

The promise is fulfilled when the redeemed enter the holy city and behold Eden restored.4SP 464.2–465.1+1 Jesus leads Adam to the tree of life, gives him its fruit to eat, and welcomes Adam's redeemed family into Paradise.4SP 464.2–465.1+2 Adam, exiled from Eden because of sin, is restored to his first dominion through Christ's atonement and resurrection hope, and shares the tree with his redeemed family.4SP 465.2–466.1+2 Thus redemption reverses the fall and brings the faithful into the life and home from which sin had separated them.GC88 647.2–648.2

The way of escape for lost man doomed to misery, sickness and death with no way of escape, where the whole family of Adam must die, was made when Jesus pleaded with the Father and offered to give His life a ransom and take the sentence of death upon Himself.1SP 45.1+1 Beholding man with sympathy and sorrow, He approached the exceeding bright light enshrouding the Father, was shut in with the Father three times in close converse, and offered His life.SG1 22.2 Through Him man finds pardon, and through the merits of His blood and obedience to the law of God receives the favor of God, is brought into the beautiful garden, and regains access to eat from the tree of life.EW 120.1+2

Those who keep God's commandments will breathe immortal vigor beneath the tree of life in the garden of delight, where through unending ages the inhabitants of sinless worlds will behold a sample of the perfect work of creation untouched by the curse, showing what the whole earth would have become had man fulfilled the Creator's glorious plan.PP 62.3 The tree is in the heavenly city, the New Jerusalem, beside the stream that goes out from the throne of God, where the King is seen in His beauty with His kingly crown and where riches are given to the children of God.Ms 9, 1886, par. 17–19 Those who do His commandments enter the gate of the city not as convicts but as sons and daughters of the Most High welcomed to the Father's bosom, called sons of God, crowned by Christ's own hand, joining the song of Moses and the Lamb that echoes through heaven.Ms 9, 1886, par. 17–19+1 Those received into Paradise are those who take Christ at His word and surrender soul to His keeping and life to His ordering, so that the wise Master-worker brings out a pattern of life and character to His own glory expressing the glory-character of Christ; they are a renovated race who shall walk with Him in white, for they are worthy.DA 331.2 Their faith is shown by works, remaining faithful even when suffering reproach for Christ, even if losing life in His service, and they will rise in the first resurrection, enter the city of God, and eat from the tree in His Paradise.Ms 156, 1904, par. 13–15+1 Talking about this promise pours the light and glory of God's presence into the soul and makes joy full, so that believers testify what the Lord has done, speak of Christ's coming and the end of all things at hand, and get ready for His appearing.Ms 9, 1886, par. 17–19

The fruit belongs to the life to come: the faithful will eat it and drink from the river and fountain of water after their earthly mission is finished and faithfully delivering the messages given to them and enduring to the end, and those who eat of it will not return to earth.ExVEGW 6.1–2+2 Affliction may draw the messenger to God and preserve humility, while faithful endurance leads to the promised gift of life pictured as eating from the tree and drinking the water of life.LS 196.2–3 Those who remain faithful even unto death rise in the first resurrection to enter the city and eat.Ms 95, 1909, par. 14–15

In eternity Jesus Himself walks and talks with His people, leading the overcomers to the tree of life and to fountains of living waters.Ms 99, 1908, par. 12+1 As He walks with the redeemed by that tree and by the trees on either side of the river flowing from the throne of God, He opens the Word and explains every verse and chapter they could not understand on earth and where they stumbled, and opens every truth they could not understand in this life.Ms 181, 1907, par. 22+1 There as heavenly Teacher He leads His people to the tree growing on either side of the river of life and gives the highest education in its completeness in the school above, where fathers and mothers and children together are brought from the schools of this world with no separation, having been faithful workers in earthly homes, and where there is no contention.Ms 31, 1909, par. 9–11+1 Those who diligently and faithfully study the Word secure that highest education which alone fits them for a place in the school above, plucking the fruits of the tree and seeing the King in His beauty, which they must begin here by guarding the lips, governing words, sanctifying tongue and thought, offering praise and thanksgiving, and being made perfect, for only those who on earth have learned to glorify God will be given a place in the courts of glory.Ms 99, 1908, par. 12+1 The reward comes after climbing Peter's ladder of progress to a final abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom, with golden crowns placed upon heads in a joyful scene none can afford to miss, cast at the feet of Jesus while angels with golden harps fill heaven with rich music and songs to the Lamb.Lt 20, 1884, par. 16+1

The rich reward cannot be reached without suffering; suffering with Christ is the path to reigning with Him.1T 77.1–78.1 It is given to overcomers who have suffered, following the pattern of Abel, the patriarchs, Christ Himself, the apostles, the primitive church, the martyrs, and the Reformers, and none will be there who have not, like Moses, chosen to suffer affliction with the people of God, for the redeemed are those who came out of great tribulation and washed their robes white in the blood of the Lamb.1T 77.1–78.1 If the tree could be reached without suffering, the reward would not be so richly enjoyed, and the unscarred would shrink back with shame in the presence of those who fought the good fight, ran the race with patience, and laid hold on eternal life, while the blessed hope of immortality to be consummated at the soon appearing of Christ does not remove the life of suffering.1T 77.1–78.1 The life and return to Paradise purchased through His death are privileges not to be disregarded, for those who reject them will not share His glory.4T 386.2–387.1+1 The path to Paradise is intercepted by the whole synagogue of Satan intent on weakening faith by blocking the rays of the Sun of Righteousness, and is often hindered by temptation, so believers must pass through much tribulation on their way to God's kingdom, but in Christ there is peace and good cheer because He has overcome the world and gives His own peace, so the heart need not be troubled or afraid, and God promises to reward faithful service and self-denial with everlasting life in the world to come.ST Oct 22, 1896+1 The church militant is not yet the church triumphant, and entrance is through much tribulation opposed by Satan, but Christ's victory gives peace to those whose life is hid with Christ in God and bound up with His life, who in depression and despair near to yielding receive light in darkness and perpetual streams from the fullness of His love.Lt 37, 1896, par. 11

The promise was ordered to be written down as a present incentive, so that believers would not rest satisfied with a low standard but would press toward perfection by earnest striving, growing fervency, and genuine love.Ms 5, 1901, par. 1–3+1 The reward held out is the right to eat from the tree of life in the midst of God's paradise, meaning a crown of unfading and immortal glory and a life that measures with the life of God.Ms 5, 1901, par. 1–3+2 It is a whole heaven of bliss with no tempting devil and no sorrow, sickness, pain, or death, surrounded with beautiful objects surpassing anything imaginable, so great that eye has not seen nor ear heard nor heart conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him.ST Feb 4, 1903+1 That promise is to be ever remembered as motive to strive for an abundant entrance into the kingdom and to meet around the throne to see the King in His beauty, by diligently studying the Revelation given on Patmos and keeping the things written therein because the time is at hand.ST Feb 4, 1903+1

The verse belongs to an earnest warning to prepare to meet the Lord coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.Lt 386, 1904, par. 1+1 It confronts indifference to the signs He foretold and gives evidence that the end of the world is right upon us, calling for advance and for receiving God's grace so its effect is saving day by day.Lt 386, 1904, par. 1 Each person must know for himself what the Spirit says to the churches or he will fail and lose his bearings, which means watching and praying, trusting the living Word, forming character after the divine similitude, being daily converted, willingly consecrating himself to God, and spiritually discerning spiritual things instead of doing as he pleases.Lt 120, 1908, par. 4–6 Deep earnestness is required in the little time yet granted to prepare for the future life and to meet the Lord with joy when He comes, with watchfulness and prayer in faith bringing rich blessing through the gift of the Holy Spirit.Lt 386, 1904, par. 1+1 The message applies to people in this age who have had great light but have not opened the heart's door to Christ's knock, whose warnings of heaven have not been heeded while God's Spirit is withdrawing from the world, and destructive fires by omnipotent power warn God's own people to beware lest the same condition come among them.Ms 18, 1903, par. 6

The message tests every professed follower of Jesus, asking how he stands before God, whether his light shines to the world in clear steady rays, and whether union with the Source of all light is preserved.Ms 143, 1901, par. 5–10 The names of the churches are symbolic of the Christian church in different periods, the number seven indicates completeness so the messages extend to the end of time and portray conditions in the churches today, and Christ weighs characters, keeps every individual under supervision, and knows thoughts, intents, words, acts, full religious experience, and whom each loves and serves.Ms 81, 1900, par. 54–56 Heeding requires close self-examination, seeking the Lord with all the heart, loving God supremely and neighbor as self, humbling the heart before God, and giving due respect to those who have borne the burden in the heat of the day, so truth prospers and goes forth as a lamp that burneth.Lt 173, 1896, par. 13+1 Hearing and receiving means showing faith corresponding to profession by sanctified activity in the Lord's work, with ministers not hovering over the churches but going outside the camp to warn unbelievers, and young men going into the harvest field and destitute mission fields to prove themselves called and chosen and faithful.Ms 78, 1900, par. 32–33+1 It warns against decay and declension, spiritual death, and drifting from the Eternal Rock, and calls for earnest devotion, purity, consecration, life and zeal in the cause of truth.Ms 143, 1901, par. 5–10

Parents can help children reach the reward by godly, consistent example showing the way to enter God's city and rejoice there.RH Oct 12, 1911 It is the privilege of fathers and mothers and children together to be daily overcomers through the all-powerful name of Jesus and living faith in that name, appreciating the grace by which they become conquerors, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ to an immortal inheritance and partakers of His glory.Lt 10, 1912, par. 9–12 Overcoming is linked to cultivating faith in the family and following Christ's example, with home faithfulness, obedience, and training fitting the family for companionship with those welcomed to the city of God.Lt 10, 1912, par. 9–12+1 Children and youth must be prepared to meet temptation and do their part to win heaven, for choices and habits shaped by teachers and students lead either toward the reward or toward shipwreck of faith when Christ is not kept before them as example and earthly things fascinate the mind.AFUP 13.1+1 Every family that enters has been faithful workers in earthly homes fulfilling responsibilities Christ laid upon them, so parents are not separated from children but are brought from schools of this world into the school above, where Christ as heavenly Teacher leads His people to the tree of life on either side of the river of life, explains truths not understood in this life, gives higher education in its completeness, and crowns them with golden crowns amid joyful music and songs to the Lamb.Ms 31, 1909, par. 9–11

The verse points to a real home and prospective rest in the paradise of God on the new earth, with honor and glory in store for Jehovah's servants whose glory exceeds language.STB 848.1–3+2 Worldly gain and opinion cannot compare with the bliss awaiting the faithful who overcome and receive eternal life in God's paradise.5T 337.4 Those who cherish unhappy dispositions will not see that home of immortal life, so character reform and preparation are essential.4T 503.2 That homeward-bound hope of a better, heavenly country is to be spoken of and told abroad, with holy convocations, praise to Christ for His rest, peace, and joy, and daily thanksgiving for the great sacrifice that makes sinners partakers of the divine nature.RP 16.3–17.2

Paradise is the Eden home from which Adam and Eve were excluded because of sin and transgression, regained by faithfully using God's instruction and grace and putting faith, love, and patience to work in His vineyard on earth.COL 282.2+1 It is the destination of the narrow way entered only through the straight gate, requiring giving up besetting sin, self-will, evil habits, worldly opinions, self-centered ambition, rank, riches, and ease, and accepting toil, patience, self-sacrifice, reproach, poverty, and opposition as part of Christ's own experience. Those who refuse to enter because they cannot see the whole path miss that walking in the light already given makes the way clearer as they advance, and the reward belongs to those who keep advancing in temporal and spiritual understanding, learning from Christ and looking to Jesus rather than relying on past accomplishments.RH Mar 28, 1912+1 The promise calls people to look beyond earthly things and prepare for heaven by turning from sin and receiving cleansing through Christ, to share the joys of eternal life.RH Feb 23, 1905

Having an ear means heeding the warning voice of the Third Angel's message to get ready for the great and terrible day of the Lord, loving truth and walking in it, striving with all the heart to do God's blessed will, and coming off conquerors through the Lord Jesus Christ to enter the pearly gates of the New Jerusalem, behold Jesus, and join the happy saints in their happy home.RH Feb 14, 1856 The Scriptures are the guidebook directing to the paradise of God, and reaching it calls for patient, persevering investigation, since fanciful and unbelieving reading dulls the mind's appetite for truth and righteousness and makes it unfit for that study.MYP 276.2–277.1 Those who diligently and faithfully study the Word secure the highest education, which alone fits them for a place in the school above where Christ will walk and talk with His people, leading overcomers to the tree of life and fountains of living waters.Ms 99, 1908, par. 12 Knowledge received from God's word, unlike perishing earthly learning and unlike the forbidden knowledge sought by Adam and Eve, can be carried beyond this world and fits people for life in God's paradise.STE 153.2+1 The tree of life supplies the physician's image for bringing the sick the bread of life, sharing spiritual nourishment and seeking the patient's salvation as well as bodily healing.CH 361.4