What does Ellen White write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "Why is repentance important for spiritual growth, what are times of refreshment, and how does this represent a process?"
Answer
Repentance is essential for spiritual growth, as it involves not only remorse for sins but also a heart turning and a turning away from evil, leading to a real change in life. The “times of refreshment” denote a special outpouring of divine grace and the removal of sins at the end of the salvation period, preparing believers for the coming of Jesus. This process is a lifelong task of sanctification, requiring constant effort, growth in the knowledge of God, and a daily victory over one's own self.
True Repentance and Spiritual Renewal
»Repentance includes sorrow over sin and a turning away from it. We will not renounce sin unless we recognize its sinfulness; until we turn away from it in our hearts, there will be no real change in life. Many do not understand the true nature of repentance. In large numbers they grieve over having sinned and even undertake an outward reform because they fear that their misconduct will bring suffering upon them. But this is not repentance in the biblical sense. They lament the suffering rather than the sin.«
The Times of Refreshment and the Removal of Sins
»‘Now repent and turn to God, that your sins may be removed, when the times of refreshment come from the face of the Lord.’ From this we see that the final work Jesus accomplishes for His people before He is sent is the removal of sins. There can be no condemnation of a person after his sins have been removed; in other words, there can and must be no further judgment upon his case, for his sins will no longer be thought of.«
A Lifelong Process of Sanctification
»Sanctification is not the work of a day or a year, but of an entire life. The struggle for victory over the self, for holiness and heaven, is a lifelong battle. Without continual effort and constant activity there can be no progress in the divine life, no attainment of the victor’s crown. ... The path of return can only be won through hard fighting, inch by inch, hour by hour. By a momentary act of will one may place oneself under the power of evil; but it takes more than a momentary act of will to speak these bonds and reach a higher, holier life.«
The Necessity of Continuous Growth
»In following Christ they are to become like Him – forming characters through God's grace that are in harmony with the principles of His holy law. This is biblical sanctification. ... The arduous struggle for victory over the self, for holiness and heaven, is a lifelong battle. In this war there is no discharge; the effort must be continuous and persistent. Christian integrity must be pursued with unceasing energy and maintained with a resolute firmness of purpose. A genuine religious experience unfolds and intensifies.«
Spiritual Growth as a Heavenly Law
»Progress, not stagnation, is the law of heaven. Progress is the law of every ability of mind and body. ... In spiritual life there should be growth just as in physical life. Step by step we are to move forward, always receiving and giving, always gaining a fuller knowledge of Christ and daily drawing nearer to the measure of the full stature of Christ.«
Original Sources (English)
Stephan Krol
Founder of EGW Vision
Why I built EGW Vision
Hello, I am Stephan Krol. I started this Ellen White website to make the writings of Ellen G. White and the Adventist pioneers easier to access for everyone.
EGW Vision helps you find topics, statements, and quotes faster, especially when many original sources are not yet fully available in your language. The tool searches semantically, groups relevant content by topic, and presents matching results as clearly as possible in your language.
My hope is that this tool supports personal Bible study, strengthens trust in the original sources, and helps more people discover the message of these writings with clarity, depth, and joy.
