Here is the wording on the picture, along with support for the points (all-caps added for emphasis):
Ellen White clearly identified “THREE LIVING PERSONS” in the Godhead.
“The Son is all the fullness of the Godhead manifested. The Word of God declares Him to be ‘the express image of His person.’ ‘God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.’ Here is shown the personality of the Father.
“THE COMFORTER that Christ promised to send after He ascended to heaven, IS THE SPIRIT IN ALL THE FULLNESS OF THE GODHEAD, making manifest the power of divine grace to all who receive and believe in Christ as a personal Saviour. THERE ARE THREE LIVING PERSONS OF THE HEAVENLY TRIO; in the name of these three great powers –THE FATHER, THE SON, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT–those who receive Christ by living faith are baptized, and these powers will co-operate with the obedient subjects of heaven in their efforts to live the new life in Christ.” (Evangelism, pp. 614,615, by Ellen G. White)
The following illustration shows why she could say Christ IS the Holy Spirit, …
“We want the Holy Spirit, which is Jesus Christ.” (Lt66-1894.18 by Ellen G. White; see paragraph 18 at https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/6785.2000001)
… even though they are separate beings (who belong to each other).
“THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST; it is His representative.” (Manuscript Releases Volume Thirteen, p. 313, by Ellen G. White)
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“THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST, which is sent to all men to give them sufficiency, that through His grace we might be complete in Him.” (Manuscript Releases Volume Fourteen, p. 84, by Ellen G. White)
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“We read in the Scriptures, ‘But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues: and ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my name’s sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.’ Kings, governors, and councils are to have a knowledge of the truth through your testimony. This is the only way in which the testimony of light and truth can reach men of high authority. ‘But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but THE SPIRIT OF THE FATHER that speaketh in you.’ Christ stood by the side of Luther, and by the side of all the Reformers whom he commissioned to go forth and make aggressive moves to advance the message of God in our world. He did not send them forth alone. Jesus has promised to be at your right hand. What a gracious promise is this, and it will be fulfilled; for he is faithful that hath promised. Jesus is yours, and all things in heaven and earth are his, and yours because you believe in him.
“We should become acquainted with the Bible. We are required to become diligent Bible students, lest we be found adopting error for truth. We want the truth as it is in Jesus. He says, ‘It is not ye that speak, but THE SPIRIT OF THE FATHER that speaketh in you.’ You need not be surprised that God will flash the knowledge obtained by diligent searching of the Scriptures, into your memory at the very time when it is needed. But if you let the precious moments of probationary time pass, and neglect to fill your minds and the minds of your children with the gems of truth, if you are not acquainted with the words of Christ, if you have never tested the power of his grace in trial, you cannot expect that THE HOLY SPIRIT will bring Christ’s words to your remembrance. We are to serve God daily with our undivided affection, and then trust him.” (The Review and Herald, April 15, 1890 issue, article title: “I Will Keep Thee From the Hour of Temptation,” pars. 6,7, by Ellen G. White)
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He (Melchisedec/the Holy Spirit) was the voice of God to others, …
“IT WAS CHRIST THAT SPOKE THROUGH MELCHISEDEC, the priest of the most high God. MELCHISEDEC was not Christ, but HE WAS THE VOICE OF GOD IN THE WORLD, the representative of the Father.” (The Review and Herald, February 18, 1890 issue, article title: “How to Meet a Controverted Point of Doctrine,” par. 10, by Ellen G. White)
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“AT THE TIME OF LOT’S REMOVAL TO SODOM, CORRUPTION HAD NOT BECOME UNIVERSAL, AND GOD IN HIS MERCY PERMITTED RAYS OF LIGHT TO SHINE AMID THE MORAL DARKNESS. When Abraham rescued the captives from the Elamites, the attention of the people was called to the true faith. Abraham was not a stranger to the people of Sodom, and his worship of the unseen God had been a matter of ridicule among them; but his victory over greatly superior forces, and his magnanimous disposition of the prisoners and spoil, excited wonder and admiration. While his skill and valor were extolled, none could avoid the conviction that a divine power had made him conqueror. And his noble and unselfish spirit, so foreign to the self-seeking inhabitants of Sodom, was another evidence of the superiority of the religion which he had honored by his courage and fidelity.
“MELCHIZEDEK, IN BESTOWING THE BENEDICTION UPON ABRAHAM, HAD ACKNOWLEDGED JEHOVAH AS THE SOURCE OF HIS STRENGTH AND THE AUTHOR OF THE VICTORY: ‘Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: and blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand.’ Genesis 14:19, 20. GOD WAS SPEAKING TO THAT PEOPLE BY HIS PROVIDENCE, BUT THE LAST RAY OF LIGHT WAS REJECTED AS ALL BEFORE HAD BEEN.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 157, by Ellen G. White)
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“THE HOLY SPIRIT strives with every man. It IS THE VOICE OF GOD SPEAKING to the soul.” (The Review and Herald, July 27, 1897 issue, article title: “The Sin of Rejecting Light,” par. 8, by Ellen G. White)
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“Through his HOLY SPIRIT THE VOICE OF GOD has come to us continually in warning and instruction, to confirm the faith of the believers in the spirit of prophecy.” (The Review and Herald, July 18, 1907 issue, article title: “A Message to the Churches,” par. 13, by Ellen G. White)
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“For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved BY THE HOLY GHOST.” (2 Peter 1:21 KJV)
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“The Lord Jesus cleared away the rubbish of ‘they say,’ swept out the old traditions of former teachers, and brought to light the teachings of the prophets and of holy men of old who spake as they were moved BY THE HOLY GHOST. CHRIST HIMSELF HAD COMMUNICATED THE TRUTH TO THESE REPRESENTATIVE MEN, and in his lessons which he gave to the people he was clearing away the rubbish of man’s opinions by the truth which he himself had imparted to the writers of the Scriptures.” (The Signs of the Times, March 26, 1896 issue, article title: “Human Traditions Unprofitable,” par. 1, by Ellen G. White)
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… (Melchisedec/the Holy Spirit) represented God the Father and Christ, …
“It was Christ that spoke through Melchisedec, the priest of the most high God. MELCHISEDEC was not Christ, but he WAS the voice of God in the world, THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE FATHER.” (The Review and Herald, February 18, 1890 issue, article title: “How to Meet a Controverted Point of Doctrine,” par. 10, by Ellen G. White)
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“MELCHIZEDEK, CHRIST’S REPRESENTATIVE.–God has never left Himself without witness on the earth. At one time MELCHISEDEK REPRESENTED THE LORD JESUS CHRIST IN PERSON, to reveal the truth of heaven, and perpetuate the law of God (Letter 190, 1905).” (S.D.A. Bible commentary Vol. 1, pp. 1092,1093, by Ellen G. White)
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“If ye, then, being human and evil, ‘know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your HEAVENLY FATHER GIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT to them that ask Him?’ Luke 11:13. THE HOLY SPIRIT, THE REPRESENTATIVE OF HIMSELF, is the greatest of all gifts.” (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 132, by Ellen G. White)
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“THE HOLY SPIRIT REPRESENTS CHRIST.” (The Signs of the Times, January 4, 1899 issue, article title: “The Worth of Redemption,” par. 9, by Ellen G. White)
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“‘Greater works than these shall ye do because I go to My Father.’ He would intercede for them and would send them HIS OWN REPRESENTATIVE, THE HOLY SPIRIT, who would attend them in their work. THIS REPRESENTATIVE WOULD NOT APPEAR IN HUMAN FORM, but by faith would be seen and recognized by all who believe in Christ.–Ms 70a, 1897, p. 2. (No title, no date.)” (Manuscript Releases Volume Two [published 1987], p. 25, by Ellen G. White)
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… (Melchisedec/the Holy Spirit) personated Christ, …
“Melchizedek, Christ’s Representative.–God has never left Himself without witness on the earth. At one time MELCHISEDEK REPRESENTED THE LORD JESUS CHRIST IN PERSON, to reveal the truth of heaven, and perpetuate the law of God (Letter 190, 1905).” (S.D.A. Bible commentary Vol. 1, pp. 1092,1093, by Ellen G. White)
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“The image of Christ engraved upon the heart is reflected in character, in practical life, day by day, because we represent a personal Saviour. The Holy Spirit is promised to all who will ask for it. When you search the Scriptures, THE HOLY SPIRIT IS by your side, PERSONATING JESUS CHRIST.” (The General Conference Bulletin, February 15, 1895 issue, article title: “Extracts From Communications Dated July 30, 1894 and Feb. 6, 1894,” par. 5, by Ellen G. White)
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“Cumbered with humanity, Christ could not be in every place personally; therefore it was altogether for their advantage that He should leave them, go to His father, and SEND THE HOLY SPIRIT TO BE HIS SUCCESSOR ON EARTH. The Holy Spirit is Himself divested of the personality of humanity and independent thereof. HE WOULD REPRESENT HIMSELF AS PRESENT IN ALL PLACES BY HIS HOLY SPIRIT, as the Omnipresent. ‘But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall (although unseen by you), [THIS PHRASE WAS ADDED BY ELLEN WHITE.] teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you’ [John 14:26]. ‘Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will come not unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you’ [John 16:7].” (Manuscript Releases Volume Fourteen, pp. 23,24, by Ellen G. White; the insertion within brackets was by the editors of the book)
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***(Especially notice “DISTINCT PERSONALITY” in this statement.)***
“THE HOLY SPIRIT is the Comforter, in Christ’s name. HE PERSONIFIES CHRIST, YET IS A DISTINCT PERSONALITY. We may have the Holy Spirit if we ask for it and make it [a] habit to turn to and trust in God rather than in any finite human agent who may make mistakes.” (Manuscript Releases Volume Twenty, p. 324, by Ellen G. White)
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… so (Melchisedec/the Holy Spirit) was said to be Christ, …
“Contemplating the fate of the city he had loved, the soul of Jesus yearned over the child of his care. Unrequited love broke the heart of the Son of God. Little did the multitude know of the grief that weighed upon the spirit of Him whom they worshiped. They saw his tears and heard his groans, and for a brief space a mysterious awe interrupted their joyful demonstrations; but they could not understand the meaning of his lamentation over Jerusalem. Meanwhile, REPORTS WERE BROUGHT TO THE RULERS THAT JESUS WAS APPROACHING THE CITY ATTENDED BY A GREAT CONCOURSE OF PEOPLE. In trepidation they go out to meet him, hoping to disperse the crowd by means of their authority. As the procession is about to descend the Mount of Olives, it is intercepted by THE RULERS. They inquire who and what is the cause of all this tumultuous rejoicing. AS THEY, WITH MUCH AUTHORITY, REPEAT THEIR QUESTION,–WHO IS THIS? THE DISCIPLES, FILLED WITH A SPIRIT OF INSPIRATION, ARE HEARD ABOVE ALL THE NOISE OF THE CROWD, REPEATING IN ELOQUENT STRAINS THE PROPHECIES WHICH ANSWERED THIS QUESTION. Adam will tell you, It is the seed of the woman that shall bruise the serpent’s head. ASK ABRAHAM, HE WILL TELL YOU, IT IS MELCHIZEDEK, KING OF SALEM, KING OF PEACE. Jacob will tell you, He is Shiloh of the tribe of Judah. Isaiah will tell you, Immanuel, Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Jeremiah will tell you, The Branch of David, the Lord, our righteousness. Daniel will tell you, He is the Messiah. Hosea will tell you, He is the Lord God of Hosts, the Lord is his memorial. John the Baptist will tell you, He is the Lamb of God who taketh away the sin of the world. The great Jehovah has proclaimed from his throne, This is my beloved Son. We, his disciples, declare, This is Jesus, the Messiah, the Prince of Life, the Redeemer of the world. And even the Prince of the powers of darkness acknowledges him, saying, ‘I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.’” (Redemption: or the Teachings of Christ, the Anointed One, pp. 127, 128, by Ellen G. White)
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“Jesus was nearing Jerusalem to attend the Passover. He was surrounded by multitudes who were also going up to this great yearly feast.
“At His command, two of the disciples brought an ass’s colt that He might ride into Jerusalem. They spread their garments upon the beast, and placed their Master upon it.
“As soon as He was seated, a loud shout of triumph rent the air. The multitude hailed Him as Messiah, their King. More than five hundred years before, the prophet had foretold this scene:
“‘Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; . . . behold, thy King cometh unto thee; . . . lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.’ Zechariah 9:9.
“All in the rapidly increasing throng were happy and excited. They could not offer Him costly gifts, but they spread their outer garments, as a carpet, in His path.
“They broke off the beautiful branches of the olive and the palm, and strewed them in the way. They thought they were escorting Christ to take possession of the throne of David in Jerusalem.
“The Saviour had never before allowed His followers to show Him kingly honors. But at this time He desired especially to manifest Himself to the world as its Redeemer.
“The Son of God was about to become a sacrifice for the sins of men. His church in all succeeding ages must make His death a subject of deep thought and study. It was necessary, then, that the eyes of all people should now be directed to Him.
“After such a scene as this, His trial and crucifixion could never be hidden from the world. It was God’s design that each event in the closing days of the Saviour’s life should be so plainly marked that no power could cause it to be forgotten.
“In the vast multitude surrounding the Saviour were the evidences of His miracle-working power.
“The blind whom He had restored to sight were leading the way.
“The dumb whose tongues He had loosed, shouted the loudest hosannas.
“The cripples whom He had healed leaped for joy, and were most active in breaking the palm branches and waving them before Him.
“Widows and orphans were exalting the name of Jesus for His works of mercy to them.
“The loathsome lepers who had been cleansed by a word, spread their garments in the way.
“Those who had been raised from the dead by the life-giving voice of the Saviour were there.
“And Lazarus, whose body had seen corruption in the grave, but who was now enjoying the strength of glorious manhood, was with the happy throng that escorted the Saviour to Jerusalem.
“As new numbers were added to the throng, they caught the inspiration of the hour, and joined in the shouts that echoed and re-echoed from hill to hill and from valley to valley:
“‘Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest.’ Matthew 21:9.
“Many Pharisees witnessed this scene, and were displeased. They felt that they were losing the control of the people. With all their authority they tried to silence them; but their threats and appeals only increased the enthusiasm.
“Finding that they could not control the people, they pressed through the crowd to where Jesus was, and said to Him: ‘Master, rebuke Thy disciples.’
“They declared that such a tumult was unlawful, and would not be permitted by the rulers.
“Jesus said, ‘I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.’ Luke 19:39, 40.
“This scene of triumph was of God’s own appointing; it had been foretold by the prophets, and no earthly power could stop it. The work of God will ever go forward, in spite of all that man may do to hinder it or tear it down.
“As the procession came to the brow of the hill overlooking Jerusalem, the full splendor of the city met their view.
“The vast multitude hushed their shouts, spellbound by the sudden vision of beauty. All eyes turned upon the Saviour, expecting to see in His countenance the admiration which they themselves felt.
“Jesus halted, and a cloud of sorrow gathered upon His countenance, and the multitude were astonished to see Him burst into an agony of weeping.
“Those who surrounded the Saviour could not understand His grief; but He wept for the city that was doomed.
“It had been the child of His care, and His heart was filled with anguish as He realized that it would soon be made desolate.
“Had her people given heed to Christ’s teaching, and received Him as the Saviour, Jerusalem would have ‘stood forever.’
“She might have become the queen of kingdoms, free in the strength of her God-given power.
“There would then have been no armed soldiers waiting at her gates, no Roman banners waving from her walls.
“From Jerusalem the dove of peace would have gone to all nations. She would have been the crowning glory of the world.
“But the Jews had rejected their Saviour; they were about to crucify their King. And when the sun should set that night, the doom of Jerusalem would be forever sealed. (About forty years afterward, Jerusalem was utterly destroyed and burned with fire by the Roman army.)
“REPORTS HAD COME TO THE RULERS THAT JESUS WAS NEARING THE CITY WITH A VAST COMPANY OF FOLLOWERS. THEY WENT OUT TO MEET HIM, HOPING TO SCATTER THE THRONG. WITH A SHOW OF MUCH AUTHORITY THEY ASKED: ‘WHO IS THIS?’ MATTHEW 21:10.
“THE DISCIPLES, FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT OF INSPIRATION, ANSWERED: ‘Adam will tell you, ‘It is the Seed of the woman that shall bruise the serpent’s head.’
“‘ASK ABRAHAM. HE WILL TELL YOU, ‘IT IS MELCHISEDEK, KING OF SALEM, KING OF PEACE.’
“‘Jacob will tell you, ‘He is Shiloh of the tribe of Judah.’
“‘ISAIAH WILL TELL YOU, ‘IMMANUEL, WONDERFUL, COUNSELLOR, THE MIGHTY GOD, THE EVERLASTING FATHER, THE PRINCE OF PEACE.’
“‘Jeremiah will tell you, ‘The Branch of David, the Lord, our righteousness.’
“‘Daniel will tell you, ‘He is the Messiah.’
“‘HOSEA WILL TELL YOU, ‘HE IS THE LORD GOD OF HOSTS, THE LORD IS HIS MEMORIAL.’
“‘John the Baptist will tell you, ‘He is the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world.’
“‘The great Jehovah has proclaimed from His throne, ‘This is My beloved Son.’
“‘We, His disciples, declare, ‘This is Jesus, the Messiah, the Prince of Life, the Redeemer.’
“‘And even the prince of the power of darkness acknowledges Him, saying, ‘I know Thee who Thou art, the Holy One of God!’’” (The Story of Jesus [1896,1900], pp. 83-87, by Ellen G. White)
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“We want THE HOLY SPIRIT, WHICH IS JESUS CHRIST.” (Lt66-1894.18 by Ellen G. White)
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… even though not the same person.
“It was Christ that spoke through Melchizedek, the priest of the most high God. MELCHIZEDEK WAS NOT CHRIST, but he was the voice of God in the world, the representative of the Father. And all through the generations of the past, Christ has spoken; Christ has led his people, and has been the light of the world. When God chose Abraham as a representative of his truth, he took him out of his country, and away from his kindred, and set him apart. He desired to mold him after his own model. He desired to teach him according to his own plan. The mold of the world’s teachers was not to be upon him. He was to be taught how to command his children and his household after him, to keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment. This is the work that God would have us do. He would have us understand how to govern our families, how to control our children, how to command our households to keep the way of the Lord.” (The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials, pp. 533,534, by Ellen G. White)
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***(Especially notice “THE THREE PERSONS,” in this statement.)***
“1-4 (Matthew 28:19; 2 Peter 1:2, 5-7). Baptism a Mutual Pledge.–In baptism we are given to the Lord as a vessel to be used. Baptism is a most solemn renunciation of the world. Self is by profession dead to a life of sin. The waters cover the candidate, and in the presence of the whole heavenly universe the mutual pledge is made. In the name of THE FATHER, THE SON, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT, man is laid in his watery grave, buried with Christ in baptism, and raised from the water to live the new life of loyalty to God. THE THREE GREAT POWERS IN HEAVEN ARE WITNESSES; they are invisible but present.
“In the first chapter of Second Peter is presented the progressive work in the Christian life. The whole chapter is a lesson of deep importance. If man, in acquiring the Christian graces, works on the plan of addition, God has pledged Himself to work in his behalf upon the plan of multiplication. ‘Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord.’ The work is laid out before every soul that has acknowledged his faith in Jesus Christ by baptism, and has become a receiver of the pledge from THE THREE PERSONS–THE FATHER, THE SON, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT (MS 57, 1900).” (S.D.A. Bible Commentary Vol. 6, p. 1074, by Ellen G. White)
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“The Holy Spirit always leads to the written word. THE HOLY SPIRIT IS A PERSON; for He beareth witness with our spirits that we are the children of God. When this witness is borne, it carries with it its own evidence. At such times we believe and are sure that we are the children of God. What strong evidence of the power of truth we can give to believers and unbelievers when we can voice the words of John, ‘We have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.’
“THE HOLY SPIRIT HAS A PERSONALITY, else He could not bear witness to our spirits and with our spirits that we are the children of God. HE MUST ALSO BE A DIVINE PERSON, ELSE HE COULD NOT SEARCH OUT THE SECRETS WHICH LIE HIDDEN IN THE MIND OF GOD. ‘For what man knoweth the things of a man save the spirit of man, which is in him; even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.’–Ms 20, 1906.” (Manuscript Releases Volume Twenty, pp. 68,69, by Ellen G. White)
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Compare the above statement with this one about “Christ and His disciples”:
“THE UNITY THAT EXISTS BETWEEN CHRIST AND HIS DISCIPLES DOES NOT DESTROY THE PERSONALITY OF EITHER. In mind, in purpose, in character, they are one, but not in person. By partaking of the Spirit of God, conforming to the law of God, man becomes a partaker of the divine nature. Christ brings His disciples into a living union with Himself and with the Father. Through the working of the Holy Spirit upon the human mind, man is made complete in Christ Jesus. Unity with Christ establishes a bond of unity with one another. This unity is the most convincing proof to the world of the majesty and virtue of Christ, and of His power to take away sin.” (Sons and Daughters of God, p. 286, by Ellen G. White)
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“Before offering himself as the sacrificial victim, Christ sought for the most essential and complete gift to bestow upon his followers, a gift that would bring within their reach the boundless resources of grace. ‘I will pray the Father,’ he said, ‘and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world can not receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him; but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you orphans: I will come to you.’
“Before this THE SPIRIT HAD BEEN IN THE WORLD; FROM THE VERY BEGINNING OF THE WORK OF REDEMPTION HE HAD BEEN MOVING UPON MEN’S HEARTS. But while Christ was on earth, the disciples had desired no other helper. Not until they were deprived of his presence would they feel the need of the Spirit, and then he would come.
“THE HOLY SPIRIT IS CHRIST’S REPRESENTATIVE, BUT DIVESTED OF THE PERSONALITY OF HUMANITY, AND INDEPENDENT THEREOF. Cumbered with humanity, Christ could not be in every place personally. Therefore it was for their interest that he should go to the Father, and send THE SPIRIT TO BE HIS SUCCESSOR ON EARTH. No one could then have any advantage because of his location or his personal contact with Christ. BY THE SPIRIT THE SAVIOUR WOULD BE ACCESSIBLE TO ALL. In this sense he would be nearer to them than if he had not ascended on high.
“The Comforter is called ‘the Spirit of truth.’ His work is to define and maintain the truth. He first dwells in the heart as the Spirit of truth, and thus he becomes the Comforter. There is comfort and peace in the truth, but no real peace or comfort can be found in falsehood. It is through false theories and traditions that Satan gains his power over the mind. By directing men to false standards, he misshapes the character. Through the Scriptures the Holy Spirit speaks to the mind, and impresses truth upon the heart. Thus he exposes error, and expels it from the soul. It is by the Spirit of truth, working through the Word of God, that Christ subdues his chosen people to himself.
“In describing to his disciples the office work of the Holy Spirit, Jesus sought to inspire them with the joy and hope that inspired his own heart. He rejoiced because of the abundant help he had provided for his church. The Holy Spirit was the highest of all gifts that he could solicit from his Father for the exaltation of his people. The Spirit was to be given as a regenerating agent, and without this the sacrifice of Christ would have been of no avail. The power of evil had been strengthening for centuries, and the submission of men to this satanic captivity was amazing. Sin could be resisted and overcome only through the mighty agency of THE THIRD PERSON OF THE GODHEAD, who would come with no modified energy, but in the fulness of divine power. It is THE SPIRIT that makes effectual what has been wrought out by the world’s Redeemer. It is by the Spirit that the heart is made pure. Through the Spirit the believer becomes a partaker of the divine nature. Christ has given his Spirit as a divine power to overcome all hereditary and cultivated tendencies to evil, and to impress his own character on his church.” (The Review and Herald, November 19, 1908 issue, article title: “Christ’s Most Essential Gift to His Church,” pars. 1-5, by Ellen G. White)
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“Have you thought of what this means to us;– that in this prayer is included every son and daughter of Adam, who will believe in Christ as a personal Saviour, and take the requisite steps in repentance, conversion, faith, and baptism? We are baptized in the name of THE FATHER, SON, AND THE HOLY GHOST, and THESE THREE GREAT, INFINITE POWERS ARE UNITEDLY PLEDGED TO WORK IN OUR BEHALF IF WE WILL CO-OPERATE WITH THEM. We are buried with Christ in baptism as an emblem of his death. We are raised from the water as an emblem of his resurrection. We are to live as new-born souls, that we may be raised at the last great day. You are to live in newness of life; for you are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. ‘If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.’ This is where you are to place your treasure.” (The General Conference Bulletin, April 4, 1901 issue, article title: “Our Supply in Christ,” par. 16, by Ellen G. White)
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“‘Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit.’ We are ordained unto God to bear fruit. Was this not our experience when we were led down into the water and baptized in the name of THE FATHER, AND OF THE SON, AND OF THE HOLY GHOST? What did that mean?–It meant that THE THREE GREAT POWERS IN HEAVEN were pledged to keep us so long as we remain one with Christ, united to the vine.–Ms 37, 1908, p. 6. (‘Abiding in Christ,’ Sermon, March 10, 1908.)” (Manuscript Releases Volume Six [published 1990], p. 29, by Ellen G. White)
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“Those who have by baptism given to God a pledge of their faith in Christ, and their death to the old life of sin, have entered into covenant relation with God. THE THREE POWERS of THE GODHEAD, THE FATHER, SON, AND HOLY SPIRIT, are pledged to be their strength and their efficiency in their new life in Christ Jesus.” ([Australasian] Union Conference Record, October 7, 1907 issue, article title: “Words to Church Members,” par. 9, by Ellen G. White)
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“Evil had been accumulating for centuries, and could only be restrained and resisted by the mighty power of THE HOLY SPIRIT, THE THIRD PERSON OF THE GODHEAD, who would come with no modified energy, but in the fulness of divine power. Another spirit must be met; for the essence of evil was working in all ways, and the submission of man to this Satanic captivity was amazing.” (The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials [published 1987], p. 1493, by Ellen G. White)
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“The prince of the power of evil can only be held in check by the power of God in THE THIRD PERSON OF THE GODHEAD, THE HOLY SPIRIT.” (Special Testimonies for Ministers and Workers, p. 37, by Ellen G. White)
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“Here is where the work of the Holy Ghost comes in, after your baptism. YOU ARE BAPTIZED IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, OF THE SON, AND OF THE HOLY GHOST. You are raised up out of the water to live henceforth in newness of life–to live a new life. You are born unto God, and you stand under the sanction and the power of THE THREE HOLIEST BEINGS IN HEAVEN, who are able to keep you from falling. You are to reveal that you are dead to sin; your life is hid with Christ in God. Hidden ‘with Christ in God,’–wonderful transformation. This is a most precious promise. When I feel oppressed, and hardly know how to relate myself toward the work that God has given me to do, I JUST CALL UPON THE THREE GREAT WORTHIES, and say; You know I cannot do this work in my own strength. You must work in me, and by me and through me, sanctifying my tongue, sanctifying my spirit, sanctifying my words, and bringing me into a position where my spirit shall be susceptible to the movings of the Holy Spirit of God upon my mind and character.” (Manuscript Releases Volume Seven [published 1990], p. 267, by Ellen G. White)
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“Those who proclaim the third angel’s message must put on the whole armor of God, that they may stand boldly at their post, in the face of detraction and falsehood, fighting the good fight of faith, resisting the enemy with the word, ‘It is written.’ Keep yourselves where THE THREE GREAT POWERS OF HEAVEN, THE FATHER, THE SON, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT, can be your efficiency. THESE POWERS WORK WITH THE ONE WHO GIVES HIMSELF UNRESERVEDLY TO GOD. The strength of heaven is at the command of God’s believing ones. The man who takes God as his trust is barricaded by an impregnable wall.” (The Southern Watchman, February 23, 1904 issue, article title: “Be Strong In The Lord,” par. 2, by Ellen G. White)
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“This is the true test–the doing of the words of Christ. And it is the evidence of the human agent’s love to Jesus, and he that doeth his will giveth to the world the practical evidence of the fruit he manifests in obedience, in purity, and in holiness of character. ‘If a man love me, he will keep my words; and the Father will love him, and he will come unto him.’ WE, THAT IS, THE FATHER, SON, AND THE HOLY GHOST, and MAKE OUR ABODE IN HIM. O my brother, walk carefully with God. But remember that there are some whose eyes are intently fixed upon you, expecting that you will over-reach the mark, and stumble and fall. But if you keep in humility close to Jesus, all is well.” (The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials [published 1987], p. 1166, by Ellen G. White)
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“THE GODHEAD WAS STIRRED WITH PITY FOR THE RACE, AND THE FATHER, THE SON, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT gave themselves to the working out of the plan of redemption. In order fully to carry out this plan, it was decided that Christ, the only begotten Son of God, should give Himself an offering for sin. What line can measure the depth of this love? God would make it impossible for man to say that He could have done more. With Christ He gave all the resources of heaven, that nothing might be wanting in the plan for man’s uplifting. Here is love–the contemplation of which should fill the soul with inexpressible gratitude! Oh, what love, what matchless love! The contemplation of this love will cleanse the soul from all selfishness. It will lead the disciple to deny self, take up the cross, and follow the Redeemer.” (The Second Tithe [pamphlet-PH148], pp. 5,6, by Ellen G. White)
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“The promise of the Holy Spirit is not limited to any age or to any race. Christ declared that the divine influence of His Spirit was to be with His followers unto the end. From the Day of Pentecost to the present time, the Comforter has been sent to all who have yielded themselves fully to the Lord and to His service. To all who have accepted Christ as a personal Saviour, the Holy Spirit has come as a counselor, sanctifier, guide, and witness. The more closely believers have walked with God, the more clearly and powerfully have they testified of their Redeemer’s love and of His saving grace. The men and women who through the long centuries of persecution and trial enjoyed a large measure of the presence of the Spirit in their lives, have stood as signs and wonders in the world. Before angels and men they have revealed the transforming power of redeeming love.
“Those who at Pentecost were endued with power from on high, were not thereby freed from further temptation and trial. As they witnessed for truth and righteousness they were repeatedly assailed by the enemy of all truth, who sought to rob them of their Christian experience. They were compelled to strive with all their God-given powers to reach the measure of the stature of men and women in Christ Jesus. Daily they prayed for fresh supplies of grace, that they might reach higher and still higher toward perfection. Under the Holy Spirit’s working even the weakest, by exercising faith in God, learned to improve their entrusted powers and to become sanctified, refined, and ennobled. As in humility they submitted to the molding influence of the Holy Spirit, they received of the fullness of the Godhead and were fashioned in the likeness of the divine.
“The lapse of time has wrought no change in Christ’s parting promise to send the Holy Spirit as His representative. It is not because of any restriction on the part of God that the riches of His grace do not flow earthward to men. If the fulfillment of the promise is not seen as it might be, it is because the promise is not appreciated as it should be. If all were willing, all would be filled with the Spirit. Wherever the need of the Holy Spirit is a matter little thought of, there is seen spiritual drought, spiritual darkness, spiritual declension and death. Whenever minor matters occupy the attention, the divine power which is necessary for the growth and prosperity of the church, and which would bring all other blessings in its train, is lacking, though offered in infinite plenitude.
“Since this is the means by which we are to receive power, why do we not hunger and thirst for the gift of the Spirit? Why do we not talk of it, pray for it, and preach concerning it? The Lord is more willing to give the Holy Spirit to those who serve Him than parents are to give good gifts to their children. For the daily baptism of the Spirit every worker should offer his petition to God. Companies of Christian workers should gather to ask for special help, for heavenly wisdom, that they may know how to plan and execute wisely. Especially should they pray that God will baptize His chosen ambassadors in mission fields with a rich measure of His Spirit. The presence of the Spirit with God’s workers will give the proclamation of truth a power that not all the honor or glory of the world could give.
“With the consecrated worker for God, in whatever place he may be, the Holy Spirit abides. The words spoken to the disciples are spoken also to us. The Comforter is ours as well as theirs. The Spirit furnishes the strength that sustains striving, wrestling souls in every emergency, amidst the hatred of the world, and the realization of their own failures and mistakes. In sorrow and affliction, when the outlook seems dark and the future perplexing, and we feel helpless and alone,–these are the times when, in answer to the prayer of faith, the Holy Spirit brings comfort to the heart.
“It is not a conclusive evidence that a man is a Christian because he manifests spiritual ecstasy under extraordinary circumstances. Holiness is not rapture: it is an entire surrender of the will to God; it is living by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God; it is doing the will of our heavenly Father; it is trusting God in trial, in darkness as well as in the light; it is walking by faith and not by sight; it is relying on God with unquestioning confidence, and resting in His love.
“IT IS NOT ESSENTIAL FOR US TO BE ABLE TO DEFINE JUST WHAT THE HOLY SPIRIT IS. CHRIST TELLS US THAT THE SPIRIT IS THE COMFORTER, ‘THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH, WHICH PROCEEDETH FROM THE FATHER.’ IT IS PLAINLY DECLARED REGARDING THE HOLY SPIRIT THAT, IN HIS WORK OF GUIDING MEN INTO ALL TRUTH, ‘HE SHALL NOT SPEAK OF HIMSELF.’ John 15:26; 16:13.
“THE NATURE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IS A MYSTERY. MEN CANNOT EXPLAIN IT, BECAUSE THE LORD HAS NOT REVEALED IT TO THEM. Men having fanciful views may bring together passages of Scripture and put a human construction on them, but the acceptance of these views will not strengthen the church. Regarding such mysteries, which are too deep for human understanding, silence is golden.
“THE OFFICE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IS DISTINCTLY SPECIFIED IN THE WORDS OF CHRIST: ‘WHEN HE IS COME, HE WILL REPROVE THE WORLD OF SIN, AND OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND OF JUDGMENT.’ John 16:8. It is the Holy Spirit that convicts of sin. If the sinner responds to the quickening influence of the Spirit, he will be brought to repentance and aroused to the importance of obeying the divine requirements.
“To the repentant sinner, hungering and thirsting for righteousness, the Holy Spirit reveals the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world. ‘He shall receive of Mine, and shall show it unto you,’ Christ said. ‘He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.’ John 16:14; 14:26.
“The Spirit is given as a regenerating agency, to make effectual the salvation wrought by the death of our Redeemer. The Spirit is constantly seeking to draw the attention of men to the great offering that was made on the cross of Calvary, to unfold to the world the love of God, and to open to the convicted soul the precious things of the Scriptures.
“Having brought conviction of sin, and presented before the mind the standard of righteousness, the Holy Spirit withdraws the affections from the things of this earth and fills the soul with a desire for holiness. ‘He will guide you into all truth’ (John 16:13), the Saviour declared. If men are willing to be molded, there will be brought about a sanctification of the whole being. The Spirit will take the things of God and stamp them on the soul. By His power the way of life will be made so plain that none need err therein.
“From the beginning, God has been working by His Holy Spirit through human instrumentalities for the accomplishment of His purpose in behalf of the fallen race. This was manifest in the lives of the patriarchs. To the church in the wilderness also, in the time of Moses, God gave His ‘good Spirit to instruct them.’ Nehemiah 9:20. And in the days of the apostles He wrought mightily for His church through the agency of the Holy Spirit. The same power that sustained the patriarchs, that gave Caleb and Joshua faith and courage, and that made the work of the apostolic church effective, has upheld God’s faithful children in every succeeding age. It was through the power of the Holy Spirit that during the Dark Ages the Waldensian Christians helped to prepare the way for the Reformation. It was the same power that made successful the efforts of the noble men and women who pioneered the way for the establishment of modern missions and for the translation of the Bible into the languages and dialects of all nations and peoples.
“And today God is still using His church to make known His purpose in the earth. Today the heralds of the cross are going from city to city, and from land to land, preparing the way for the second advent of Christ. The standard of God’s law is being exalted. The Spirit of the Almighty is moving upon men’s hearts, and those who respond to its influence become witnesses for God and His truth. In many places consecrated men and women may be seen communicating to others the light that has made plain to them the way of salvation through Christ. And as they continue to let their light shine, as did those who were baptized with the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, they receive more and still more of the Spirit’s power. Thus the earth is to be lightened with the glory of God.
“On the other hand, there are some who, instead of wisely improving present opportunities, are idly waiting for some special season of spiritual refreshing by which their ability to enlighten others will be greatly increased. They neglect present duties and privileges, and allow their light to burn dim, while they look forward to a time when, without any effort on their part, they will be made the recipients of special blessing, by which they will be transformed and fitted for service.
“It is true that in the time of the end, when God’s work in the earth is closing, the earnest efforts put forth by consecrated believers under the guidance of the Holy Spirit are to be accompanied by special tokens of divine favor. Under the figure of the early and the latter rain, that falls in Eastern lands at seedtime and harvest, the Hebrew prophets foretold the bestowal of spiritual grace in extraordinary measure upon God’s church. The outpouring of the Spirit in the days of the apostles was the beginning of the early, or former, rain, and glorious was the result. To the end of time the presence of the Spirit is to abide with the true church.
“But near the close of earth’s harvest, a special bestowal of spiritual grace is promised to prepare the church for the coming of the Son of man. This outpouring of the Spirit is likened to the falling of the latter rain; and it is for this added power that Christians are to send their petitions to the Lord of the harvest ‘in the time of the latter rain.’ In response, ‘the Lord shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain.’ ‘He will cause to come down . . . the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain,’ Zechariah 10:1; Joel 2:23.
“But unless the members of God’s church today have a living connection with the Source of all spiritual growth, they will not be ready for the time of reaping. Unless they keep their lamps trimmed and burning, they will fail of receiving added grace in times of special need.
“Those only who are constantly receiving fresh supplies of grace, will have power proportionate to their daily need and their ability to use that power. Instead of looking forward to some future time when, through a special endowment of spiritual power, they will receive a miraculous fitting up for soul winning, they are yielding themselves daily to God, that He may make them vessels meet for His use. Daily they are improving the opportunities for service that lie within their reach. Daily they are witnessing for the Master wherever they may be, whether in some humble sphere of labor in the home, or in a public field of usefulness.
“To the consecrated worker there is wonderful consolation in the knowledge that even Christ during His life on earth sought His Father daily for fresh supplies of needed grace; and from this communion with God He went forth to strengthen and bless others. Behold the Son of God bowed in prayer to His Father! Though He is the Son of God, He strengthens His faith by prayer, and by communion with heaven gathers to Himself power to resist evil and to minister to the needs of men. As the Elder Brother of our race He knows the necessities of those who, compassed with infirmity and living in a world of sin and temptation, still desire to serve Him. He knows that the messengers whom He sees fit to send are weak, erring men; but to all who give themselves wholly to His service He promises divine aid. His own example is an assurance that earnest, persevering supplication to God in faith–faith that leads to entire dependence upon God, and unreserved consecration to His work–will avail to bring to men the Holy Spirit’s aid in the battle against sin.
“Every worker who follows the example of Christ will be prepared to receive and use the power that God has promised to His church for the ripening of earth’s harvest. Morning by morning, as the heralds of the gospel kneel before the Lord and renew their vows of consecration to Him, He will grant them the presence of His Spirit, with its reviving, sanctifying power. As they go forth to the day’s duties, they have the assurance that the unseen agency of the Holy Spirit enables them to be ‘laborers together with God.’” (The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 49-56, by Ellen G. White)
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I want to emphasize the following quotes:
“THE HOLY SPIRIT is the Comforter, in Christ’s name. HE PERSONIFIES CHRIST, YET IS A DISTINCT PERSONALITY. We may have the Holy Spirit if we ask for it and make it [a] habit to turn to and trust in God rather than in any finite human agent who may make mistakes.” (Manuscript Releases Volume Twenty, p. 324, by Ellen G. White)
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“In the first chapter of Second Peter is presented the progressive work in the Christian life. The whole chapter is a lesson of deep importance. If man, in acquiring the Christian graces, works on the plan of addition, God has pledged Himself to work in his behalf upon the plan of multiplication. ‘Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord.’ The work is laid out before every soul that has acknowledged his faith in Jesus Christ by baptism, and has become a receiver of the pledge from THE THREE PERSONS–THE FATHER, THE SON, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT (MS 57, 1900).” (S.D.A. Bible Commentary Vol. 6, p. 1074, by Ellen G. White)
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Also consider: Melchisedec was “without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God …” (Hebrews 7:3 KJV). Who could fit that description? Melchisedec would not have been God the Father, who has never been seen (John 1:18); and we are told he was not Christ.
“It was Christ that spoke through Melchisedec, the priest of the most high God. MELCHISEDEC WAS NOT CHRIST, but he was the voice of God in the world, the representative of the Father.” (The Review and Herald, February 18, 1890 issue, article title: “How to Meet a Controverted Point of Doctrine,” par. 10, by Ellen G. White)
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