A true relationship with Jesus, according to Ellen G. White’s writings, is much more than a profession of faith—it is a living, transforming connection that changes the heart, mind, and life to reflect Christ’s character and will. Here are the key elements she describes:
- **Complete Surrender:** True discipleship means giving up personal ambitions and being willing to walk the path of self-sacrifice, meekness, and humility, just as Jesus did (
DA 391.2).
- **Partaking of Christ’s Nature:** All who receive Jesus partake of His nature and are conformed to His character. This transformation is essential for sharing in the gift of life and the glory of heaven (
DA 391.2).
- **Obedience and Separation from the World:** True followers of Jesus obey God’s word, separate from worldly pleasures, and seek to be heavenly-minded (
1T 288.1;
4bSG 78.1).
- **Living by Faith:** As Jesus lived by faith in the Father, so we are to live by faith in Christ, fully surrendered to God’s will (
DA 389.4).
- **Reflecting Christ’s Character:** The true relationship results in Christ’s character being reproduced in us. We become kind, humble, thoughtful of others, and reflect the light of heaven (
5T 569.1;
COL 61.3).
- **Intimate Communion:** Like John, who was closely united to Jesus, a true relationship means being closely united to the Living Vine and becoming a partaker of the divine nature. This is true sanctification (
SL 54.2).
- **Joy and Peace:** Receiving and living out Christ’s principles brings joy and peace, and our lives become assimilated to His (
7T 270.1).
- **Abiding in Christ:** Our connection to Jesus is as vital as a branch’s connection to the vine. Without this, spiritual life is impossible (
MB 77.5).
- **Personal and Transforming:** The relationship is personal, requiring trust, obedience, and a willingness to let Christ’s life and character be manifest in us (
MC 38.3;
MB 133.2).
**In summary:** A true relationship with Jesus is a daily, personal, and transforming experience that leads to a Christlike character and a life that honors God.
**References:**
- White, E. G. (1898). The Desire of Ages, p. 391.2.
- White, E. G. (1885). Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 288.1.
- White, E. G. (1864). Spiritual Gifts, vol. 4b, p. 78.1.
- White, E. G. (1882). Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 569.1.
- White, E. G. (1900). Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 61.3.
- White, E. G. (1890). Steps to Christ, p. 54.2.
- White, E. G. (1896). Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 77.5.
- White, E. G. (1902). The Ministry of Healing, p. 38.3.