3:21 John 3:2

Beloved believers are already the sons and daughters of God in the present, not only in the future.4T 292.4–293.1+2 This sonship shows what manner of love the Father has bestowed, giving His only Son on the cross of Calvary that fallen men might live and be called His children.4T 292.4–293.1+3 It does not yet appear what they shall be, for their future state and glory remain hidden and unrevealed.4T 292.4–293.1+2 When Christ shall appear they shall be like Him, for they shall see Him as He is, beholding Him face to face without veil and changed into His likeness with immortal, glorified bodies.4T 292.4–293.1+4 Everyone who has this hope purifies himself even as He is pure, putting away sin as transgression of God's law and overcoming defects of character now, since likeness then depends on reflecting His image by faith in this life.ED 87.2–3+4

Beloved, now — in the present, not only in the future — believers are already the sons and daughters of God.4T 292.4–293.1+4 This standing now is made possible by the Father giving His Son for fallen humanity, and by their being transformed through obedience.4T 292.4–293.1+1 That love calling fallen men sons is so deep, broad and high that it is beyond human comprehension and amazes even angels, to be beheld, admired and made the theme of contemplation.ST Aug 1, 1878 When Christ shall appear they shall be like Him because they shall see Him as He is, though what they shall be does not yet appear or stand fully revealed.4T 292.4–293.1+4

This present sonship comes not by anything gained of themselves, by human merit, or by self-sanctifying, but only by receiving Christ as Saviour, and the promise belongs to all who believe on His name.Ms 70, 1903, par. 1–4+1 It comes through repentance, faith, obedience and the new birth of the Spirit, for those born again of the Spirit are now the sons of God, and guilty rebels are made by obedience children of God through His grace.Lt 76, 1900, par. 25–29+1 Divine power unites with human effort, for He gives them of His Spirit and makes them complete in Christ.Lt 221, 1903, par. 9–11 Through faith in Jesus fallen man can be pure and holy in his own sphere as God is pure and holy in His sphere, keeping himself pure and free from all defilement and not betraying his birth by sinning.Ms 103, 1893, par. 11–12+1 Christ was manifested to take away sin, defined as transgression of the law, not to take away the law, enabling them to keep His holy law and practice His righteousness.Lt 76, 1900, par. 25–29

Those who are sons now are acknowledged as such in the Lamb's book of life.Ms 49, 1902, par. 8–10 They are members of the royal family and children of the heavenly King, brought back to God and adopted into His family.Lt 76, 1900, par. 25–29+1 As such they are heirs of God and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ, to whom the kingdom and dominion belong, partakers of life that measures with the life of God.Lt 76, 1900, par. 25–29+1 This sonship and future likeness are open to all through Christ, so that even the most sinful, needy, oppressed and despised may find access to the Father and have a home in the mansions prepared, with the glory and voice that rested on Christ belonging to every believing soul.DA 113.2+1 They have an individuality of their own that cannot be submerged in any other, not even husband or wife or family, being the property of God through Jesus Christ who gave His life for them.Ms 85, 1893, par. 45–49

Sonship sets forth Christian privileges that few fully grasp and that all should learn, with every assurance made possible by Christ's sacrifice.Ms 70, 1903, par. 1–4 It is a position of unsurpassed dignity and honor, greater than notice by any earthly monarch and beyond anything earthly status can offer, joined to lasting honor and glory and sharing Christ's inheritance.GW92 421.1–422.1+2 Becoming children of God is worth every sacrifice, even the loss of life.GW92 373.2 This close relationship is promised to those who love and serve God, choose Him above every earthly treasure, follow Jesus in obedience, and are meek and lowly, knowing the comfort of His grace in this life and at last a place in the city of God and a life enduring as long as the life of God.Ms 10, 1885, par. 7 Overcoming self and developing self-control make room for Christ's peace and indwelling presence.4T 365.1–2 This assurance should stir greater effort to set the hope of the gospel before those still in darkness of error.Ms 70, 1903, par. 1–4

Their inner life is hidden with Christ in God, and cannot be discerned or appreciated by the world.GW92 373.2+1 True Christians are members of Christ's body as branches of the vine, abiding in Him, and because they have the Son they have life; they cannot live and work apart from Him.Ms 73a, 1900, par. 14 God has separated a people from the quarry of the world by truth and brought them into His workshop to be hewn and polished for a place in His kingdom, so they stand like noble pillars amid useless material and as lively stones for His temple, no longer like the mass they were taken from.Ms 90, 1897, par. 18 Now they may appear small and unattractive, still showing defects and weaknesses as probationers in the church militant, which is not yet the church triumphant, yet the Lord does not forsake them but loves them still.Ms 2, 1885, par. 24–26+1 Sanctification cannot be done by self; God alone helps, giving grace to every soul who sincerely desires it to put away selfishness and become righteous not by merit but by grace, pure in his own sphere as God is pure in His sphere.Lt 16, 1892, par. 1–3+1

Becoming and showing sonship requires separating from the world in order to become sons and daughters of God, stepping aside from its customs and practices.Ms 85, 1893, par. 45–49+1 Believers must stand individually in God's strength and not in their own weak strength, look to God and obey God, walk in truth in its pure light as plainly revealed in the Word including the Sabbath, and contend for the faith according to the light and measure of grace and truth given to each.Ms 85, 1893, par. 45–49 They are pilgrims and strangers under Christ's banner, needing entire consecration to God and deep, vital, practical godliness, becoming self-denying, cross-lifting, Christ-following Christians who truly resemble Christ instead of bearing only the name while practicing worldly compromise and conformity.Ms 183, 1898, par. 12–13 This requires manliness and firmness in Christian character, for a cheap Christian character works more harm than that of a worldling by misleading others while professing to represent Him whose name is assumed.Lt 2, 1895, par. 1–4 Every soul taking the name of Christian is obligated to reveal Christ's character in works as His chosen representatives to an apostate world, to be workers together with Him and not receive grace in vain, cleansing from all filthiness of flesh and spirit and perfecting holiness in the fear of God.Ms 130, 1901, par. 6–7

Parents are to teach children by precept and example, setting heaven before the mind and educating them for angelic society.Ms 130, 1901, par. 6–7 The pledge of baptism marks them as God's little children, dead to the world and risen with Christ.Ms 130, 1901, par. 6–7 Though their company may be small, they are comforted that they are already sons now.Ms 49, 1886, par. 8 The world and Christians serve different masters and cannot join hands any more than oil and water can mix, so this course brings the cross and lack of harmony, hatred and opposition from those who serve God not and from rulers of darkness, yet the Lord is their strength, light, comfort, joy and helper.Ms 85, 1893, par. 45–49 When Christ who is their life shall appear, they shall appear with Him in glory, like Him.Ms 85, 1893, par. 45–49+2

It does not yet appear what believers shall be, for although they are already the children of God now, their future state and form and glory remain hidden and have not been fully revealed.4T 292.4–293.1+4 What they will become is not yet seen, but when Christ shall appear they shall be like Him because they shall see Him as He is.4T 292.4–293.1+4 That standing as sons now is made possible by the Father giving His beloved Son for fallen humanity, so that through obedience they may be transformed and become acknowledged sons of God, and that love is so deep and broad and high that it is beyond human comprehension and amazes even angels.4T 292.4–293.1+1 This hope calls those who wait for His coming to purify themselves after His example and to make continual progress in the divine life, growing in faith so they can overcome.ST Oct 21, 1889+1

The withholding of full disclosure is deliberate, because describing the beauties and glories of heaven as they are was not deemed essential to salvation.Lt 30, 1893, par. 17–18 The heavenly things unfolded are of a character that only the spiritual mind can appreciate, and letting temporal things eclipse the glories revealed keeps souls in darkness and unable to save the perishing.Lt 30, 1893, par. 17–18 Outward providence and visible signs do not measure heavenly favor, so a consecrated believer may be sorely afflicted and distressed and perplexed and hedged in on every side while appearances seem against him, with the promised glory remaining hidden until Christ appears.Lt 10, 1879, par. 4–9 Though trials and disappointments and weakness surround those who love and obey God, and worldly people may judge them humble or ordinary, they cannot yet see what they who endure trial and learn to bear the cross will become.Ms 6, 1892, par. 24–26+1

It is not yet made manifest who shall overcome and share the inheritance of the saints in light, so the heirs of salvation are not now known.ST Dec 13, 1905 More than finite possibilities are within reach of those who are sons of God now, for a man as God uses the term is a son of God, and having this hope gives the privilege of turning from what is cheap and inferior and rising to a high standard to be respected by men and beloved by God.MYP 47.1 What they shall become comes through greater things still to be learned by those who have made only a beginning in the Christian life, through practical belief in the truth and sanctification of the entire being by the truth.Lt 2b, 1892, par. 7 It is reached by following Jesus fully and trusting Him at every step, taking His life of humility and self-denial as pattern and light and strength, living as Christ lived and denying self as Christ denied Himself and laboring with Him to save the lost.Lt 2b, 1892, par. 7

When he shall appear, those who are his will be like him, for they shall see him as he is, though what they shall be does not yet appear. 4T 292.4–293.1+4 Beholding the Saviour in adoration and love brings fellowship with him, and pressing close to Jesus and drinking in divine light and life as a flower drinks sun and dew makes likeness to Christ the one desire until character reflects his character. ED 87.2–3+2 That hope calls those waiting for his coming to purify themselves and make continual progress in the divine life, growing in faith to overcome, rejecting sin as transgression of the law, since Christ was manifested to take away sin. ST Oct 21, 1889+1

Only those who are like him can see him as he is, so the sight in the life to come depends on seeing him by faith and reflecting his image in this life. Ms 229, 1902, par. 1–2+1 Beholding him steadfastly, abiding in him, and studying his life changes the beholder into his likeness, and few now see Jesus as he is, know him as personal Saviour, and through him know the Father, many holding only partial views of him as Redeemer of the world. ED 87.2–3+4 To be like him now means developing in him fragrance, nobleness, refinement and purity of character, and in that close relationship receiving power and heavenly endowment to work the works of God, with joy, peace, contentment, rest, and courage that does not fail under difficulties. GW92 421.1–422.1+1

In mortal life no one can endure undimmed glory, as John fell as dead at the sight, so his children will see him as he is only when they have put on immortality. CET 233.1+3 Then, with sins blotted out and transgressions borne away, they will look upon the undimmed glory of his throne, standing accepted in Christ before God. CET 233.1+3 Fallen humanity could not endure unveiled glory, as the brightness of the angel at the tomb struck the guards as dead men, and had Christ come even with angels' glory it would have extinguished humanity, so he laid aside crown and robe and clothed divinity with humanity to touch humanity, dispute Satan's claim as prince of this world, break every yoke, free the oppressed, and heal sin's wounds; and holiness is required to live in God's sight, especially through the time of trouble. Ms 86, 1894, par. 3–5+1

What is now perceived only by faith and dimly as in a mirror will then be beheld face to face, no more veiled from sight, with every mask laid aside and nothing concealed. Ms 24, 1898, par. 19+4 All pride, accusing, and self-deception will end, and the saved will live eternally in his presence in open communion with the Father and Son, knowing even as known, saved eternally and praising him for redeeming mercy. Ms 24, 1898, par. 19+2 Here Satan seeks to intercept and hide the Saviour, so believers endure by seeing him who is invisible, but then they will see Jesus the Mediator with their own eyes and not by another, a sight that renews, transforms and glorifies them so they delight in him each moment. Lt 26, 1893, par. 24–28 Heaven with its unfolding glories and companionship with cleansed, sanctified, glorified loved ones is richer than earth, but Jesus himself is heaven's greatest treasure and most powerful attraction, without whom heaven would be nothing, and eternity will be needed to comprehend redemption and that God's Son gave his life for the world. ST Jan 16, 1893+1

On the resurrection morning the faithful dead will rise to glorious immortality, and with the living changed and caught up to meet the Lord will see him in his glory and be made like him, retaining individual identity and recognition. Ms 54, 1905, par. 14–16+2 Deformed and diseased bodies will be made whole and faces will shine with Christ's light, and those whose life is now hid with Christ in God, whose names are in the Lamb's book of life, will when Christ their life appears appear with him in glory, sing the song of redemption, reign with him, and dwell in the city of God in heaven. Ms 54, 1905, par. 14–16+3 This makes resurrection a reason to endure suffering with patience, brings comfort in affliction to rest trustingly in God's love without doubt, and belongs to those who overcome every defect of character. LSEGW 266.2+2

He will not come again as the man of sorrows to be insulted and derided, but soon in the clouds with power and great glory as the coming King. 4T 16.3+3 He is the One who endured temptation and wore thorns for sinners, and then will be crowned with glory, wearing a robe whiter than any fuller can whiten and a crown within a crown, with face brighter than the noonday sun. RH Jan 21, 1909+2 Those who see him will worship at his feet and he will give them harps for heavenly praise. RH Jan 21, 1909 To be acknowledged by him then, cleansed and made immortal, now is the time to work for eternity, have more of God's goodness and of heaven, form character, put on robes of righteousness, and make peace with God by keeping his commandments, which secures entrance through the gates into the city. Ms 41, 1886, par. 19+1

The promise belongs to those who use the present to prepare rather than live in self-gratification, cultivating the mind capable of highest cultivation and bearing fruit to his glory, so as to be saved with everlasting salvation when the Master gathers his jewels. ST Apr 17, 1901 It encourages guarding the steps and living by prayer and faith, watching and praying and working without flagging, with preparation needed to meet the soon-coming Lord and be of that number. Lt 30, 1874, par. 3+1 It gives hope amid burdens and conflicts and offers rest and everlasting happiness in God's kingdom after present suffering, bidding believers endure a little longer. Ms 4, 1888, par. 27+1

At that same appearing those who reject his messages will wail because of him, while his people meet him with joy. Ms 155, 1902, par. 12 The proud and those who made the world their god will seek to hide from the face of the One on the throne and the Lamb when Christ appears in judgment. Ms 12, 1895, par. 4–5 Then no pride, no worldliness, and no ungodliness can stand, for only the pure in heart will see God, so now is the time to plead until self is dead and strive to keep victory over Satan's temptations. Ms 12, 1895, par. 4–5+1

The verse opens with the call to behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed in naming fallen men sons of God now, a love so deep and broad and high that no language is broad enough and deep enough to express it, beyond human comprehension and amazing even to the angels of heaven.ST Aug 1, 1878+4 It is a present sonship already granted, with believers acknowledged as sons in the Lamb's book of life though it does not yet appear what they shall be, and with the promise that when He shall appear they shall be like Him for they shall see Him as He is, while the world knows them not because it knew Him not.ST Aug 1, 1878+4 That love still flows earthward despite accumulating sin and Satan's dark interpretation of God's Word, and church and world are called to behold it, admire it, and make it the theme of contemplation.ST Aug 1, 1878+2

It is beheld by looking to the light from the cross of Calvary and to the Man of Calvary, who is equal with the Father as Majesty of heaven and King of glory, God's own dearly beloved Son.4T 292.4–293.1+2 The verse reveals not only the love of Christ but the love of the Father in not withholding His only beloved Son but giving Him through infinite sacrifice as a freewill offering to die that fallen man might live, that through obedience they may be transformed and become acknowledged sons of God, and with Him He will freely give all things, showing the wonderful condescension of the Father.4T 292.4–293.1+2

Every assurance in the verse is made possible only by Christ's sacrifice for us, and the standing as sons and daughters of God now comes not by anything gained of themselves but only by receiving Christ as Saviour and believing on His name, a privilege to be learned and set before those still in darkness.Ms 70, 1903, par. 1–4+2 Christ has opened the way and the open door that no man can shut, so that the most sinful, the most needy, the most oppressed and despised may find access to the Father and may have a home in the mansions Jesus has gone to prepare.DA 113.2+2 The glory that rested on Christ and the voice spoken to Him belong to every believing soul as God's beloved child in whom He is well pleased.DA 113.2+1

The same love gave the first gospel promise in Eden after Adam and Eve transgressed God's law by listening to the tempter, eating from the tree of knowledge, and being excluded from their home, declaring that the serpent cannot touch the head unless given control.Ms 16, 1893, par. 1–2+1 It is seen in Christ laying aside the royal crown and royal robe and clothing His divinity with humanity that humanity might touch humanity and bring man into close connection with the living God, which no angel could do.8MR 182.1–2+2 Fallen humanity could not endure unveiled glory, for the brightness of the mighty angel sent to roll away the stone struck the Roman guards down as dead men, and had Christ come with even the glory of angels He would have extinguished humanity.Ms 86, 1894, par. 3–5 In that humiliation as the only begotten of the Father He came to dispute Satan's power and claim as prince of this world, to rescue the race from oppressive power, to break every yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to heal the wounds sin had made.Ms 86, 1894, par. 3–5+1 Though fallen man was deceived by Satan and took Satan's side, he can be conformed to the image of the Son of the infinite God and shall be like Him, because the righteousness of Christ is given to man so that God loves fallen but redeemed man even as He loved His Son.Ms 16, 1893, par. 1–2+1 This is the mystery of godliness that angels have earnestly longed to look into and that taxes the highest human intelligence, in which divine attributes and human nature are united in Christ's sanctified human nature to reveal what humanity may become, and at the cross mercy and truth meet and righteousness and peace are joined so God can punish sin justly and forgive without compromising justice or purity.8MR 182.1–2+2

The world does not know believers because it did not know Him.LSEGW 233.2+4 It cannot enter into their experience, discern spiritual things, or judge their life, virtue, hopes and heavenly attraction correctly, but judges falsely because Christ's deportment and character were so different from the worldly standard as to be beyond its comprehension.Ms 49, 1902, par. 8–10+1 It saw Christ as a root out of dry ground with no beauty to be desired, without riches or splendor, and it so sees His followers.ST Dec 17, 1896+4 Those who have joined the Lord's army show no pride of appearance or outward display, and though they work as Christ worked to lift fellow men from degradation and may even sacrifice life in noble work, the world does not notice them.Ms 49, 1902, par. 8–10

Their character and holy calling, their adoption into the family of God, and their union and fellowship with the Father and Son are not manifest to the world.SG4 233.3+3 The world does not understand them or perceive their adoption, seeing only their humiliation, reproach, poverty and scattered feebleness, so they are strangers whose motives it does not appreciate and whose names are cast out as evil by lovers of sin.SG4 233.3+3 Outward providence and visible signs do not measure heavenly favor, so a consecrated believer may be sorely afflicted, distressed, perplexed and hedged in on every side while appearances seem against him, and present hardship and low standing do not reveal what he will become.ST Dec 17, 1896+1 Although the world does not recognize them or see the worth of their relationship, they are precious to God, already acknowledged in the book of life as adopted heirs and the nobility of heaven who have washed their robes white, until the victory is won and they are marked wholly God's as crowned conquerors in spotless robes.ST Dec 17, 1896+1

The true child cannot enjoy the friendship of the world without snare, for the world and Christians serve different masters and cannot join hands in fellowship and unity any more than oil and water can mix.Ms 85, 1893, par. 45–49+1 If he seeks that friendship it will become a snare leading him to adopt the customs, precepts and standards of the world until he becomes like the world in spirit, for there can be no fellowship between the Prince of light and the prince of darkness.ST Nov 7, 1906 Stepping aside from the customs and practices of the world therefore brings the cross and lack of harmony, hatred and opposition from those who serve not God and from the rulers of darkness, and those who exhibit the piety and righteousness of Christ cannot expect greater favor from the world than Christ received.Ms 85, 1893, par. 45–49+1 This should not discourage them or make them angry when they are misjudged; they should not judge by present appearances but use every opportunity to do good, standing individually in God's strength, looking to God and obeying Him, walking in the pure light of His Word and contending for the faith, with the Lord as their strength, light, comfort, joy and helper, needing the Holy Spirit in the heart to see Christ as He is and to love one another as He has loved them.Ms 85, 1893, par. 45–49+2

Everyone who holds the hope of seeing Christ as He is and being made like Him at His appearing cleanses himself even as Christ is pure.ST Oct 21, 1889+4 It is a wonderful and highest standard, calling for continual progress in the divine life, growing faith that overcomes, purification of heart and character after His example, pursuit of holiness and cleansing from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, overcoming the natural spirit and gaining victory over evil, and moral fitness now in probationary time.ST Oct 21, 1889+4 Purifying means putting away sin, for sin is transgression of the law, and Christ was manifested to take away sin, not to abolish the law that defines it.ST Feb 1, 1899+4 It requires confession and cleansing from all transgression, washing the robe of character in the blood of the Lamb, walking in the light of the living God without carelessly continuing in sin, and by grace becoming obedient keepers of His holy law who practice His righteousness in obedience that reflects Christ and works by love.Ms 31, 1903, par. 2–3+4 Facing the mirror of God's law discerns defects in moral character, so that envy, pride, malice, deceit, strife and crime are cleansed from the heart that receives the love of Christ and cherishes this hope, and the religion of Christ thus refines and dignifies its possessor, lifting even the fallen and degraded by sin and crime to greater mental and moral strength, but a little lower than the angels.ST Aug 1, 1878

Likeness at His appearing is not produced by a change He makes at His coming, for character defects and selfish traits must be overcome before He comes, since His appearing will not be a time to correct them or prepare for it.1T 704.2–705.1 Character cherished in life is unchanged by death or resurrection, and heaven is holy where nothing defiling enters, so the character formed day by day determines destiny and requires God's will to become our will with the whole person sanctified to God.Ms 8a, 1888, par. 58 Daily adding grace to grace restores the image of God now in preparation for full likeness, answering Christ's prayer to be one as He was one with the Father and sanctifying the soul through obedience to the truth, humbling self now while exaltation of the meek waits for God's near future time of light, honor, glory and exceeding great reward.Lt 7, 1886, par. 35–36 Readiness comes by bringing the virtues of Christ's life into daily life with no time to lose, building on the true foundation that will stand the judgment rather than hay, wood and stubble, constantly watching, praying and doing the work of Christ, conquering from day to day with His daily help for human weakness, growing each day more like Him in meekness, lowliness, kindness and gentleness, washing the character white with intense anxiety to separate evil away, holding to the Bible alone and showing faith by works, for failure in character building means loss of eternal life.Lt 7, 1886, par. 35–36+4

Beholding the Saviour in adoration and love brings fellowship with Him and likeness to Him, making likeness to Christ the one desire.ED 87.2–3+2 By pressing close to Jesus and drinking in divine light and life as a flower drinks sun and dew, beholding His glory dimly now, the character comes to reflect the character of Christ, and this transformation reaches its completion in immortality.ED 87.2–3+1 Delighting the mind upon heaven and heavenly things kindles the most intense desire to be like Jesus, and by beholding Him believers become changed into the same image, removing carnal thoughts and feelings and ending frivolousness, cheap talk and unholy living to bring them to the highest standard of purity and elevation of character.Lt 14a, 1891, par. 13 When Christ's character is fully reproduced in His church, He will come to claim His people.HSP 16.9 This hope is realized by receiving the gospel and its truths into the heart, for human effort alone cannot change a corrupt life, but through repentance, faith and good works a person may develop a righteous character and claim the privileges of God's children through Christ's merits, walking uprightly in a crooked generation and showing through daily conduct the contrast between Christ's principles and Satan's.4T 294.2+1

Overcoming self and developing self-control make room for Christ's peace and indwelling presence, befitting the unsurpassed dignity of sonship.4T 365.1–2 Seeing Him as He is and becoming like Him depend on turning to the Lord with contrition, for those who do not repent will not see Him as He is or be like Him.Lt 7, 1897, par. 1 Now is the time to plead with God until self is dead and to strive earnestly to keep victory over Satan's temptations, since when Christ appears no pride, no worldliness and no ungodliness can stand, and only the pure in heart will see God.Lt 41, 1876, par. 4–5 To one day see Christ as He is requires being like Him now with a pure and holy character like His, for faith in the truth alone will not save, and only those with that Christlike character have their names registered in the Lamb's book of life and will enter the New Jerusalem where nothing that defiles can enter.Lt 1e, 1890, par. 8 As Christ was in this world so His followers are to be now, and those like Him in character here will have His likeness in heaven and friendship with Him when He comes in glory with all the holy angels, giving the Lord opportunity to do His great work for the soul with Christ as sufficiency, while without likeness here there can be no friendship there, and all must refuse to turn back to worthless worldly things, die to self, make life faithful in Christian duty, and use time and talents to save souls and build up Christ's kingdom in order to have sheaves to present to the Master at that meeting.Ms 70, 1898, par. 11+1

The same hope directs fathers and mothers to ask whether they have this hope, shown by introducing their children to Christ and leading neighbors to hope in His mercy.Ms 105, 1894, par. 8 Christian life is not a wearisome service but a joyful assurance to be spoken in the home, with parents introducing Jesus Christ to their children as personal Saviour, teaching by precept and example in family prayer and daily conversation that the love of God, the love of Jesus, His purity and holiness are accessible now, and educating them for the society of heavenly angels and future likeness to Christ at His appearing.Ms 69a, 1896, par. 15–17 Fathers and mothers are themselves now God's little children who must daily sanctify themselves to God and first learn of Him before they can teach their children aright, deciding that good and not evil thoughts shall occupy their children's minds and ministering with patient, untiring perseverance to their present and future good to prepare them to inherit eternal life.Ms 160, 1902, par. 4 Young men and women need more of the grace of Christ to bring the principles of Christianity into daily life, keeping close to Jesus as positively necessary since He is strength, efficiency and power and no one can depend on self for a moment, making preparation for His coming through Christ for the exercise of the highest qualities and making character a beautiful structure.MYP 47.3

Seeing Him as He is is the present need of God's workers who have learned of Christ, for the moment they see Him as He is they see themselves as they are and ask Him to make them what they ought to be.Ms 31, 1911, par. 48+1 That sight exposes selfishness that makes men hindrances instead of helps, and in God's light defects are seen and in His strength remedied.Ms 31, 1911, par. 48+1 Believers may see Christ by faith now and will see Him in reality when He comes, and this hope calls them to prepare now to meet Him in peace and to let Him reveal His salvation through them.Ms 8, 1905, par. 14–15 Those who expect to see Jesus as He is and be made like Him should follow Him daily, allowing their characters to be molded after His image, which leads them to judge rightly, honor those God honors, take care not to grieve His little ones, and, as those whose sins have been forgiven by God, show a forgiving spirit toward others.15MR 196.2–197.1

Receiving the promise means receiving eternal life in the kingdom of God, a life that measures with the life of God as members of the royal family and children of the heavenly King.Ms 70, 1903, par. 12–14+2 They will dwell in the courts of heaven where there is neither sorrow nor death, in everlasting association with Christ and the unfallen angels.Ms 70, 1903, par. 12–14+1 That life endures as long as the life of God and is given at last as a place in the city of God to those who love and serve Him, choose Him above every earthly treasure, follow Jesus in obedience, and are meek and lowly, knowing the comfort of His grace in this life.Lt 76, 1900, par. 25–29+1 Through faith in Christ and obedience to God's law guilty rebels are made children of God, members of the heavenly King's family, heirs of God and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ, enabled to keep His holy law and practice His righteousness, turning the mind from earthly concerns toward Christ and heavenly things.Lt 76, 1900, par. 25–29+1 It is a life of living forever with God bearing the Creator's perfect likeness in soul, body, and spirit, free from sin and its curse, growing forever in wisdom, knowledge, and holiness, continually discovering new wonders and deepening the capacity to know, enjoy, and love, while the fullness of joy, love, and wisdom remains infinite.CT 55.2+2

The verse points to the time when all things are made new and glorified, when the earth is purified, every spot and stain of the curse removed, and the earth restored to Edenic purity and loveliness as the home of the redeemed.Lt 30, 1893, par. 17–18 The lack of full disclosure of that glory was deliberate, because describing the beauties and glories of heaven as they are was not deemed essential to salvation, and the heavenly things unfolded are of a character only the spiritual mind can appreciate.Lt 30, 1893, par. 17–18 Allowing temporal things to eclipse the glories revealed keeps souls in darkness and makes them incapable of saving perishing souls.Lt 30, 1893, par. 17–18

Those whose lives are hidden with Christ in God and who fight the good fight of faith will then shine with the Redeemer's glory in the kingdom of God.GW92 373.2+2 Fellowship with the Father and the Son ennobles them now and makes them partakers of the divine nature, with self hidden and Christ revealed, and then their princely dignity will shine forth reflecting the light of Christ.GW92 373.2+2 Becoming a child of God is worth every sacrifice, even the loss of life.GW92 373.2+1 That future appearing is the recompense of His work, when He who redeemed by His blood and taught by His life looks upon the great multitude no one can number, presented faultless before the presence of God's glory with exceeding joy, and sees the fruit of His suffering and is satisfied.ED 309.2–3 It is not a reward that leaves the sinner living in transgression of God's law, but belongs to those who overcome in the name of Jesus, reform their ways when truth dawns, become loyal to God through strength from the Saviour, lead a new and purer life, do His commandments to have right to the tree of life and entrance through the gates into the city, and make the most of lingering mercy and probationary time to be found accepted in solemn scrutiny; they will stand about the great white throne with crowns of immortal glory waving palm branches of victory as sons of God and children of the heavenly King, their lives running parallel with the life of God, sharing the joy of the Lord in a heavenly home no shadow will ever darken.ST Aug 1, 1878

The hope comforts those who meet difficulties on every hand in separating from the world to become sons and daughters of God, assuring them even when their company is small that they are already sons of God now.Ms 28, 1886, par. 3–4+2 It gives rest and everlasting happiness in God's kingdom after present suffering and encourages believers to endure a little longer with patience.LSEGW 266.2+1 The faithful who die before His coming will rise to glorious immortality, see Jesus in His glory, be caught up to meet the Lord, meet loved ones to part no more, inherit the kingdom prepared from the foundation, and praise Him eternally.LSEGW 266.2+1

The words belong with Scripture to be searched carefully for truth and guidance toward eternal life.Ms 21, 1895, par. 1–3 They direct attention toward God's love rather than dwelling on gloomy thoughts or Satan's power.Lt 81, 1888, par. 9–11 Love to God and love to the brethren are closely linked, with the great principles of the law expressed in the two great precepts to love the Lord with all the heart and to love neighbor as self, upon which hang all the law and the prophets, expressing the love of God in life and character in treatment of fellow men.Ms 88, 1893, par. 35–37 This assurance is grounds for believing that love and for trusting God as a loving Father who calls believers His children.ST Jun 18, 1896+1

Angels are commissioned to surround God's children in assemblies when those principles are recognized.Ms 153, 1907, par. 1–2 Though it is not yet made manifest who shall overcome and share the inheritance of the saints in light, so the heirs are not now known, angels are now sent throughout the length and breadth of the earth to minister to the heirs of salvation, seeking to comfort the sorrowing, protect the imperiled, and win hearts to Christ, with none neglected or passed by.ST Dec 13, 1905

God calls people His children and gives Jesus as the living Saviour to sustain them through trial and difficulty, and He will reward each person according to works.Ms 141, 1908, par. 28 Christ's sanctified human nature reveals what humanity may become, uniting divine attributes and human nature, so that at the cross mercy and truth meet and righteousness and peace are joined, and God can punish sin justly and forgive without compromising justice or purity.ST Jun 18, 1896