1:71 Peter 1:7

The trial of faith is like fire testing gold, but faith proved true by trial is much more precious than gold that perishes even when refined.ApRGC 23.8–24.1+2 God Himself appoints each trial and as Refiner watches in the furnace of affliction, where the heat separates dross and worthlessness from the true metal without destroying it and purifies character to reflect Christ.Ms 110, 1901, par. 24–27+4 The trial reveals whether faith is genuine, consuming mere profession and outward glitter, while genuine faith works by love, purifies the soul and leads to obedience.Lt 200, 1899, par. 15–16+3 It must therefore be met with patient, cheerful endurance, holding fast to divine power, refusing murmuring and retaliation, and trusting day by day even when relief does not come.Ms 17, 1894, par. 12–13+4 Faith so held fast to the end will be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ, receiving commendation from His lips and the end of faith in the salvation of souls and eternal life.ApRGC 23.8–24.1+4

The testing of trust is like fire proving gold, yet tested trust is far more valuable than gold that wastes away even when proved by fire.ApRGC 23.8–24.1+4 Though weighed down for a season by many trials, believers greatly rejoice, kept by divine power through trust for deliverance ready to be shown at the last time.EW 23.1+4 Loving and trusting the unseen One with joy beyond words and full of splendor, they take hold of Him with the heart, and their proved trust will be found to praise and honor and splendor at His appearing.ApRGC 23.8–24.1+4

Gold wastes away even when refined, so the contrast sets the lasting worth of trust and truth above perishable earthly wealth.4T 445.1+4 The blessing of God and the outpouring of the Spirit are more precious than gold or silver.6MR 310.4–311.2 Truth is no cheap commodity but precious gold tried in the fire, and treasuring it in all its principles shapes character and sets apart every word and act for God, making a person His witness and a benefit and blessing to many.19MR 173.3+1 Searching the hidden truths of Scripture is like searching for gold, and the truths sought out through earnest prayer, tears, trial and opposition were precious to those who found them like gold tested by fire, each link recovered from superstition and error now joined in a clear and harmonious whole.4T 445.1+2

Fire is the furnace of distress in which God as Refiner cleanses His people as gold.Lt 22, 1894, par. 17–18+4 As a blacksmith puts iron and steel into the fire to learn what kind of metal they are, so He places His chosen in the furnace to see their temper and whether He can shape and fit them for His work.Lt 22, 1894, par. 17–18+1 The heat burns away dross and tin and separates what is worthless from the true gold of character without destroying the true metal, and so makes worth plain.RH Jan 27, 1916+2 Jesus watches each test and knows what temptation and trial are needed to cleanse so that divine love may shine through, while grace is willing to be searched and shrinking from search is perilous, and though the adversary may bring suffering his power is limited and the trusting are guarded.RH Jan 27, 1916+2

The one so proved becomes more precious than fine gold, even than the golden wedge of Ophir, for trust is of more worth than silver and gold and its value is made plain by testing.Ms 110, 1901, par. 24–27+1 Every soul will be tested and proved, and trust held fast to the end, with Christ upholding those who rely on Him, cleanses remaining dross from character and leads to eternal life.Ms 110, 1901, par. 24–27+2 An experience of trust gained amid discouragement, hardship and lack of means, as in the hard labor of selling the book, is more valuable than gold, silver or precious stones.Lt 326, 1907, par. 3–4+3 Such personal Christian experience under the Holy Spirit works by love and cleanses the soul, leading to obedience and a share in the divine nature seen in hallowed thoughts and in Christlike kindness, mercy, thoughtfulness and love, and those who submit to this schooling can bear the test nobly and grow rather than despair.Lt 326, 1907, par. 3–4+2

Being found to praise and honor and splendor at the appearing of Jesus Christ means receiving approval and honor at His return, even commendation from the Redeemer's lips as Sin-bearer and Redeemer, when those who learned to bear the cross will be like Him and see Him as He is.Lt 113, 1898, par. 4–5+4 The short refining is not punishment but love and chastening that proves preciousness in God's sight, for He does not prune brambles or cast worthless stones into His furnace but tests precious ore in which He sees material to glorify His name, until partaking of the divine nature, the peaceable fruits of right doing and the reflection of His own image appear, a work then seen to have wrought a far more exceeding and eternal weight of splendor though not understood now.Lt 113, 1898, par. 4–5 Every soul growing up into Him meets heaviness through many temptations with conflict and earnest long struggle, because the powers of darkness oppose those gaining mastery over temptation and sin lest they become channels of light, so victory calls for engaging all the powers of the being in warfare, looking to the cross for grace and strength to surely conquer and doing His works so the mind gathers strength and firmness to resist.Ms 59, 1899, par. 5–6 Those whose principles and conduct heaven approves are precious to God like gold tried by fire even when the world treats them as inferiors, and enduring the test — as Edson in his temptations may overcome by divine power and come forth as gold cleansed seven times — leads to praise, honor and splendor when Christ appears.Ms 59, 1899, par. 5–6+4

Believers greatly rejoice even when for a season they are in heaviness through manifold temptations, being kept by God's power through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.EW 23.1+4 Difficulties, disappointments and trials test faith, love and fidelity, and faith must overcome them, for hardships test faith as fire tests gold yet tested faith is far more precious than perishing gold proved by fire and will be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.EW 23.1+4 Even while trials bring heaviness for a time, believers love and trust Christ though unseen and rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory, for Christ has risen, salvation is assured, and the burden borne for Him and service given in surrender to God's will measure love for Him.EW 23.1+4 This belongs to those who receive the Lord Jesus by faith to abide in the heart and cooperate with Him, whose faith works by love and purifies the soul, in whom light shines into the chambers of the mind so they see invisible things correctly with life and vigor given to all mental powers and spiritual exercises, so the language of the soul is not doleful or gloomy because the joy of the Lord is strength.Lt 56, 1900, par. 10–11+3

The trial belongs to believers in every age with special significance very near the end of this world's history, in the very close of probation and closing days when iniquity abounds and the love of many waxes cold.Lt 200, 1899, par. 15–16+3 In the last time Satan works with masterly power by subtle temptations to overcome those who believe in Jesus, and his temptations are greater than ever before because he knows his time is short and every case will soon be decided for life or for death.Lt 32, 1894, par. 6–7+2 God in providence appoints each trial to work out an individual experience of highest value needed to stand in the very last days before Jesus appears, no trial springs out of the earth or comes casually, and with every trial He gives power to stand even while evil angels cooperating with evil men oppose every step heavenward.Ms 12, 1895, par. 1–3+2 Therefore believers should not seek easy places or follow the majority but follow on to know the Lord, following the Lamb wherever He goes, meeting the powers of darkness as He met them and enduring the temptations He endured, looking to Jesus the Author and Finisher of faith so the believing soul is not overcome but gives glory to God, with partakers of His sufferings to be partakers of His glory and the obedient receiving their reward.Ms 12, 1895, par. 1–3+2 The perils of the last days bring distressing perplexity that many have not anticipated, applying especially to young Sabbath-keepers who profess to look for the Son of man yet yield to the world, refuse to give up the world, unite with it in picnics and other gatherings for pleasure under the claim of innocent amusement, and become a miserable example to unbelievers, for just such indulgences separate from God and make children of the world.12MR 36.3–37.2+2

The foundation of the trial is the conflict between truth and error over God's law, begun when Satan in heaven sought to bring God to his own ideas and force a change in the law of His government, and continued on earth after his expulsion by persuading men to be disloyal to that law in revenge upon God, perverting judgment and justice and trampling down the law.Lt 24, 1895, par. 12–14+1 In the last days this brings manifold temptations with trial and sorrow upon commandment-keeping people by satanic agencies working through the children of disobedience to discourage and hurt everyone loyal to the way of the Lord, pressing upon the soul the idea that God is displeased in order to torture it into unbelief, accusing God's people because of their sins to terrify them that their cases are hopeless and the stain will never be washed away so they will yield and turn from allegiance.Lt 24, 1895, par. 12–14+2 Though God already knows every heart, motive and thought, He permits Satan to tempt, try and test believers as with Abraham and the children of Israel, so trust and confidence may be revealed and genuineness shown in obedience to His written word.13MR 361.1–3+2 With every permitted temptation He makes a way of escape so none are tempted above what they are able to bear, giving divine strength to resist and escape, while He who sits in the heavens overrules Satan's devices to accomplish His deep designs.13MR 361.1–3+2 He does not allow distress and affliction because He takes pleasure in them, but because this trying process is essential to final victory and to prepare His people to resist all the allurements of evil, magnifying His name and revealing His abundant grace and strength before the heavenly universe, unfallen worlds and men, with proven faith to be found unto honour and glory when judgment sits and each is judged according to deeds done in the body.13MR 361.1–3+2

The trial takes many forms, differing from person to person so that those who have not faced another's hardships cannot know whether they would endure as well and should not judge or misread that person.Lt 32, 1894, par. 2–3+4 It includes being afflicted by the wrong course of others who ought to help, being accused of great transgression while innocent, and passing through a present hour of temptation, distress and perplexity, with Jesus knowing it all, His hand stretched out in pitying tenderness to every suffering child, sufficient for every trying hour under every adverse circumstance.Lt 32, 1894, par. 2–3+2 It includes pain, sickness, affliction and suffering, which test faith yet are no reason for discouragement because of promise to restore and sustain those who trust, and lack of means which may be part of providence to prove and then bring forth purified like gold tried in fire.TBC1882 30.4–31.1+2 In the home it means enduring little annoyances, perplexities, neglect, wrong, selfishness and unjust dealing with meekness and self-control in the spirit of Christ, pitying and praying for the wrongdoer and going to the Saviour instead of seeking sympathy, cherishing a hard spirit, or manufacturing an irritating yoke by a loveless course, with grace given for enduring temptation without falling.Lt 32, 1894, par. 2–3+1 It extends to failure of hopes and plans, risk to livelihood for those depending on government positions, and even a literal gale and powerful rain stirred up by Satan to trouble God's people, forcing almost every man to work through Saturday night to keep tent stakes firm, where bearing it without complaint makes the Sabbath most precious and brings the felt presence of Jesus as blessing after trial.Lt 32, 1894, par. 2–3+3

History shows such refining ordeals in which faith is tested as by fire and enduring prepares for Christ's appearing.8T 102.1–2+4 The disappointment after the expected coming of the Saviour was a purifying ordeal and refining process that exposed false faith, removed what was worthless, purged the faithful, and called them to endure patiently, wait in hope for Christ to redeem them, give up errors and human traditions, turn wholly to God and His word, and gain eternal victory.CET 54.2–3+2 The Pilgrims' exile and hardship made love and faith grow stronger, and as they trusted God's promises He supported them and overruled persecution and exile to bring them to security and religious freedom, displaying His power and glory and preparing them to fulfill His purpose.CET 54.2–3+2 The fire that destroyed the Review and Herald Office, with part of the sanitarium, tested God's people through correction, the workers' lives being spared so they could recognize God's power, learn the lesson, turn to God, repent and be converted and refined.8T 102.1–2+1

God in providence appoints each trial to work out an individual experience of highest value needed to stand in the very last days before Jesus appears, and no trial upon a saint springs out of the earth or comes casually.Ms 12, 1895, par. 1–3+1 With every trial He gives power to stand under it, makes a way of escape, watches with the sufferer by His side, guards His people amid tumult, and lays on no burden greater than can be borne.Ms 12, 1895, par. 1–3+1 Though He does not willingly grieve or afflict, He allows His chosen ones to be placed in the furnace of affliction as a blacksmith puts iron and steel into the fire to test what manner of metal they are, to see what temper they are of and whether He can mold and fashion and use them for His work.Lt 22, 1894, par. 17–18+1 He permits heaviness through manifold temptations for a season to those kept through faith unto salvation, in order that through trial they may have increased knowledge concerning the God of their salvation and may reveal character and show trust in the Redeemer.ST Aug 20, 1896+2 Therefore believers should not seek easy places or follow the majority but follow on to know the Lord, following the Lamb wherever He goes, meeting the powers of darkness as He met them and enduring the temptations He endured, being cheerful, letting cheerfulness be seen in the countenance, confessing the Lord as helper with unmoved trust, and speaking words of courage to other souls that will spring up and bear fruit.Ms 12, 1895, par. 1–3+1

The purpose is to purify character by removing its remaining dross, selfishness, earthliness, covetousness and harshness, consuming what is false and worthless, cleansing from sin, and reflecting Christ's image so believers partake of the divine nature and come forth purer, holier and fit for immortality.Ms 110, 1901, par. 24–27+3 Affliction burns away the dross and separates what is worthless from the true gold of Christian character, and grace is willing to be searched and tried while reluctance to be searched is perilous.RH Jan 27, 1916 God as Refiner of souls watches each test and knows the temptation and trial needed to purify the character so that divine love may shine through it, His eye upon them and His ear listening to their cries, sending His angels to comfort and protect them, and bringing them forth as gold tried in the fire.RH Jan 27, 1916+1 His love for His children during their severest trial is as strong and tender as in days of prosperity, and He will not cast off those who were deceived and tempted and betrayed into sin but have returned to Him with true repentance, yet they must be placed in the furnace because their earthliness must be removed that the image of Christ may be perfectly reflected.4SP 438.1+2 Christ upholds those who trust in Him through this, and faith held fast to the end will be found to praise, honor, and glory at His appearing, with the purified person counted more precious than fine gold and this hope leading to eternal life.Ms 110, 1901, par. 24–27

Being called to endure trial proves preciousness in His sight, for trial is not punishment but love and chastening by Christ as Sin-bearer and Redeemer purifying from dross in a short refining process.Lt 113, 1898, par. 4–5 He tests precious ore in which He sees material to glorify His name and desires to develop for the glory of His name, for He does not prune brambles or put valueless stones in His furnace but spends time refining only where there is value to refine.Lt 113, 1898, par. 4–5+1 Such careful, thorough work is bestowed upon no useless material, but only upon precious stones polished after the similitude of a palace until the Master sees His reflection, developing partaking of the divine nature and the peaceable fruits of righteousness.Lt 113, 1898, par. 4–5+2 The process is severe and trying, with hewing, squaring, chiseling, burnishing, polishing, and being pressed down to the grinding wheel, as Christ cuts away rough edges and surplus surface and puts the stone to the polishing wheel and presses it close until all roughness is worn off.MYP 117.1+1 When the Master holds the jewel up to the light and sees a reflection of Himself in it, He pronounces it worthy of a place in His casket, and however severe, the experience is blessed because it gives new value to the stone and causes it to shine with living brightness, to be then seen to have wrought a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory and to receive commendation from the Redeemer's lips.Lt 113, 1898, par. 4–5+1 He finds such precious metal even in rough, unhewn, apparently uninteresting, dull, young and blundering youth that will endure storm and tempest and the fiery ordeal of heat, for He sees not as man sees and judges not from appearance but searches the heart and judges righteously, and His Spirit operates upon the heart like an electric battery to arouse apparently benumbed faculties to vigorous and persevering action for a great work.Ms 2, 1881, par. 18

Through trial God educates, disciplines, trains and schools His children for service, with trials as His workers and workmen for perfecting Christian character meant not to sink faith but to raise it to meet the test.Ms 70, 1897, par. 59–62+2 He brings them into positions that reveal hidden defects, weakness, deficiencies they may not recognize in themselves, and self mingled with plans, and gives opportunity to correct and overcome them and become fit for service, calling them to more sanctified service.IRCUP 13.4–14.1+2 Through it He draws His children near, shows them their weakness and His strength, teaches them to depend on Him and to know and trust Him, deepens appreciation of the truth and piety and strength, and prepares them for emergencies, positions of trust, and the purpose for which He gave them their abilities.Ms 70, 1897, par. 59–62+2 As with Israel and Paul, trials reveal and develop character and obedience under testing helps prevent a falling away from Christlikeness, and affliction is permitted only when it serves present and eternal good, purifying His church while believers are not consumed but purified and refined and developed in Christlikeness.ST Apr 11, 1900+2 Each permitted trial is thus designed so that praise belongs to God, and growth in grace brings honor and glory to God at Jesus Christ's appearing.Ms 70, 1897, par. 59–62

Every soul must pass through this testing even in this life, for trials must continue to prove fitness to belong to God's royal family, to inherit the eternal crown, and to be refined without being consumed.2T 118.3+2 Every saint must pass through affliction pictured as fire so impurities of character may be removed, with every individual believer and every member of the church to pass through the refining process and furnace fire until all impurities are burned away.Ms 4, 1868, par. 1–2+1 The Refiner does not mean to extinguish them but to purify them from all dross and prepare them to receive immortality, while Christ knows every thought and act and those who serve willingly and seek to do His will receive strength to overcome.Lt 195, 1902, par. 4–5+2 Temptation and conflict continue throughout life, and the struggle against the powers of darkness tests the highest development of powers for good, therefore carnal security is dangerous and prayerful watchfulness is needed to endure faithfully.Lt 23, 1875, par. 8–9+1

Trial tests whether faith is genuine and shows what is in the heart, for difficulties, disappointments and trials measure love and fidelity by the burden borne for Christ and the surrender of the will to God.Lt 149a, 1897, par. 10–11+2 Mere profession without lived experience will not suffice, because truth must be rooted deeply in the soul and practiced in life, and only such prepared faith gives strength in trouble and conflict through trust in God.Lt 7, 1862, par. 3+2 God proves every true follower and tests genuineness, calling for sacrifice and separation from worldly pursuits that draw away from Christ and hinder spiritual growth.1T 288.1+2 Young Sabbath-keepers who have yielded to worldly influence will meet distressing trials that prove them, and in that refining time they will either be wholly converted and sanctified by obeying truth or be left with the world to receive its reward.1T 288.1+2

That separation means coming out from gatherings of worldly pleasure such as picnics, donations and shows, where there is no Jesus and no influence to make heavenly-minded or increase growth in grace, and being separate from what the world seeks and admires.1T 288.1+1 Those whose views and feelings harmonize with the spirit of the world rather than with Christ's self-denying followers, who prefer worldly company and object to plain pointed testimony that reproves wrongs, are revealed as chaff and persons of two minds with too much influence among God's people.SG4 234.2–235.1 In them there is no genuine gold, superficial piety and outward glitter are consumed, and wheat is shown to be tares.Lt 7, 1862, par. 3+1

Genuine faith is gold tried in fire, and it must be cherished because it works by love and purifies the soul, and without that purifying influence faith is worthless.Lt 51, 1886, par. 16–17+2 Such faith leads the soul to God and at the same time expands the intellect while it purifies, ennobles and sanctifies, and youth, those in mature age and the aged all need it because their cases are soon to pass in review before God.Lt 200, 1899, par. 15–16+2 Through the Holy Spirit it leads to obedience and a share in the divine nature, seen in sanctified thoughts and Christlike kindness, mercy, thoughtfulness and love toward others.Ms 73, 1901, par. 15+2 In those who receive Christ by faith to abide in the heart and who cooperate actively with Him, light shines into the chambers of the mind so invisible things are seen correctly, and life and vigor are given to all mental powers and spiritual exercises, so the language of the soul is greatly rejoicing with joy unspeakable and full of glory because the joy of the Lord is strength.Lt 200, 1899, par. 15–16

Perfect faith is loyal, tested faith, and it makes perfect the one who possesses it, bringing triumphs in the Christian life not of human ovation and praise but such as God alone will recognize, in a world where there will never be a place with nothing hard or trying.Ms 73, 1901, par. 15+1 Faith must be wanted and cultivated in the heart with the love of Jesus, and it is gained not by the amount of heavenly light received but by the use made of that light, letting it reveal imperfections of character and perfect character so as to cease to sin.Ms 80, 1893, par. 55–59+1 It must be constantly exercised by taking Christ at His word at all times instead of looking to and depending on feeling, trusting that the heavenly Father is more willing to give the Holy Spirit to those who ask than parents are to give good gifts to children.Ms 80, 1893, par. 55–59+2 It grows by being educated in truth, by meditation and reflection and earnest prayer while hands and mind are employed in useful work, by doing every department of work as unto God and not unto man, by applying great truths to little things since little things constitute the discipline of life and train the soul for character for the courts above, and by studying and claiming the promises until rooted in Scripture, pressing from light to greater light and strength to greater strength.Ms 80, 1893, par. 55–59+3

In distress and uncertainty the trial calls for trust in God, patient waiting and continued obedience rather than rash action or reliance on feelings, with faith kept strong through the trial.Ms 80, 1893, par. 55–59+1 Mere profession, faith that has cost little with no deep taproot of clinging faith, fanatical presumption mistaken for faith, and momentary victory followed by return to careless indifference that cannot withstand temptation or resist the enemy is not enduring the trial and will not sustain in trouble nor comfort in affliction.RH Feb 17, 1853+3 Enduring means keeping the victory rather than yielding again, suffering for Christ's sake and glorying in tribulation, made strong by effort and pure by sacrifice, laboring with all long-suffering to reap the fruit of toil.RH Feb 17, 1853+3 True faith does not fail under testing, for it is God's gift belonging to a life of sanctification and true conversion.Lt 52, 1874, par. 9+2

Faith tried in fire so its preciousness may be seen turns the believer to Jesus the Author and Finisher of faith.Ms 7, 1894, par. 9+2 Trials test faith and make it stronger as refining fire tests gold, and exercising faith by relying on God's promises builds courage to fight the spiritual battle against Satan.Ms 17, 1894, par. 23–24+2 Faith gains increased strength through trial, and difficult experiences bless and encourage the soul for future attacks of Satan and equip it to endure fiery trials and greater conflicts.RH Oct 20, 1910+2 Trials borne under God's control purify, refine and ennoble faith and prepare believers for greater tests and for service to others, as daily conversion and the restoration of every perverted affection and attribute by Christ's grace prepare them beforehand so no entirely new strength is needed when hardship comes.Ms 17, 1894, par. 23–24+2

Trial will surely come and must be met with patience, with quiet rest in the Lord and day-by-day trust without worry, complaint or murmuring.RH Jun 20, 1907+2 The fiery trial is not strange but a testing of faith far more precious than perishing gold, and patient endurance as fellowship in Christ's sufferings brings every burden and perplexity to Christ for strength and mercy until faith is found unto praise and honor and glory at His appearing with exceeding joy when His glory is revealed.RH Jun 20, 1907+2 Murmuring and complaint make the bitter cup more painful, and further trials may be required until the heart is purified, while patience, endurance and prayer make the trial bearable and allow it to accomplish its purifying, refining and fitting for immortality.SG2 290.2+2 Even when earthly treasures and dearest attachments are taken away there is no need to grieve, for heavenly treasure and more of God Himself are given instead, and in deepest sorrow God sends richest tokens of grace that turn affliction into praise and thanksgiving, giving grace to endure pain even when suffering is not removed.21MR 108.1–4+1

Enduring means not letting go of divine power but holding fast through manifold temptations, for believers are kept by God's power and made partakers of the divine nature, escaping worldly corruption, and Christ's invitation to the weary to come for rest keeps them from falling.Ms 17, 1894, par. 12–13+1 It means closing every door against Satan, praying earnestly with unyielding faith, relying on the merits of Christ's blood and atonement and claiming His saving strength, remembering that sin comes not from being tempted but from yielding so temptation is no excuse for sin.SG2 289.2–290.1+2 When afflicted by the wrong course of others, falsely accused while innocent, and passing through distress and perplexity, Jesus knows it all and stretches out His hand in pitying tenderness, sufficient for every trying hour, calling the tried to pray, refuse exasperation and control by natural feeling, cherish no retaliation, bear no sin for another, and commit the whole case to Him who died.Lt 32, 1894, par. 2–3+1 Overcoming by grace brings victory and leaves believers stronger and better prepared for the next trial, while yielding brings no reward and leaves them weaker, more vulnerable and less prepared until led captive at Satan's will.CET 103.2+2 Therefore in the present time when Satan's temptations are greater because his time is short and every case will soon be decided for life or death, believers must put on the whole armor of God, bear up under affliction, trust wholly instead of sinking in discouragement, go to God in agonizing prayer when trials rush in, receive grace to break the enemy's power, and endure hardness as good soldiers moving forward strong in God.EW 37.2–38.1+1

Satan heats the furnace and contends for the peace, usefulness and even life of the godly, but his power is limited, and Jesus and angels watch the trusting Christian in the fire so nothing is consumed but dross and the fire has no power to destroy the true metal.1T 309.1–2+2 The tried are to be cheerful, courageous, steadfast and stable, educating heart and lips to praise, speaking cheerful words and words of courage to others, talking faith and talking of Jesus and His love and power, refusing the dark side, exasperation, retaliation, discouragement and depression, and pressing closer to Jesus as those traveling heavenward by privilege.20MR 229.4–5+3 Such cheerfulness, confession of the Lord as helper, and unmoved trust become a visible witness that springs up to bear fruit, an example to youth and age in the use of talents to honor the Creator, helping others understand salvation, walk in safe paths, penetrate darkness to what is within the veil, and defeat darkness by believing in Jesus as personal Saviour.ST Aug 20, 1896+2 When others speak against them, refusing discouragement and retaliation causes the enemy's work to fail, and the Lord draws near with love, peace and joy, opening understanding by the Holy Spirit to see truth clearly, making His quickening influence precious as fine gold, and giving power to tell the cross with melting appreciation and to bear daily the sign that Christ is formed within as hope of glory.CT 317.3–4+1

Every soul saved must share in Christ's sufferings to share His glory, suffering faithfully for Jesus, glorying in tribulation, bearing the cross, crucifying self daily, overcoming sin and temptation, and following His word in humility and weakness.YGBCOEP 6.3+2 Few understand that God subjects His people to trial to give spiritual strength, teach whole dependence on Him, make them more spiritual, and prepare experiences rightly received for work done in His name, revealing His power markedly through their lives.YGBCOEP 6.3+1 Enduring in this way leads to eternal life, honor and immortality, for tested faith of those who share His sufferings will be found to His praise, honor and glory at His appearing.ExVEGW 27.3+2 Victory strengthens for greater conflict while defeat weakens for what follows.CET 103.2+2

In dark seasons when relief does not come, hope fails and despair seizes as powers of darkness gather and shut Jesus from sight, believers are to wait patiently in hope, submit the will to God, and trust simply even when the purpose is unexplained, for explaining it could defeat its purifying and ennobling work.RH Apr 22, 1862+2 Prayer then pleads not merely for removal but for patience to endure and grace to overcome, with faith and submission swallowing the will up in God's will and casting helpless unworthiness upon the crucified and risen Saviour, who never lets the trusting perish.1T 309.1–2+2 Fiery trials of faith and patience are to be accepted rather than feared, for they refine, prepare for work with God, belong to fellowship with God and bearing Christ's reproach, and contribute to final triumphant joy with a place for each conflict in the struggle for righteousness.DA 306.1–2+1 Even under severe bodily suffering Jesus stands close beside to comfort, encourage, keep from discouragement and open great and precious things to belief, so His presence gives strength to endure, keep working, persevere toward the crown, and find the reward rich.Lt 87, 1895, par. 7–8+2

Faith held fast to the end and proved as by fire will be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ, when His glory is revealed with exceeding joy and the obedient receive their reward.ApRGC 23.8–24.1+4 The trial tests faith as fire tests gold, yet tested faith is far more precious than gold that perishes though refined by fire, even while believers grieve for a season under manifold temptations and varied trials.ApRGC 23.8–24.1+4 Trials and afflictions are the portion of those who love God, and those so tried are to cling to the Mighty One, be of good courage, believe and trust implicitly, for the night is far spent and the day is at hand.Lt 113, 1898, par. 2–3+1 God in providence appoints each trial to work out an individual experience of highest value needed to stand in the very last days before Jesus appears, and no trial upon a saint springs out of the earth or comes casually, but with every trial He gives power to stand under it even while evil angels cooperating with evil men oppose every step heavenward.Ms 12, 1895, par. 1–3+1 Believers are therefore not to seek easy places or follow the majority but to follow on to know the Lord, following the Lamb wherever He goes, meeting the powers of darkness as He met them and enduring the temptations He endured, for partakers of His sufferings will be partakers of His glory.Ms 12, 1895, par. 1–3 Trials are Christ's workers for perfecting Christian character, meant not to sink faith but to raise it to meet the test and deepen appreciation of the truth, so that praise belongs to God and growth in grace brings honour and glory to God at Christ's appearing.Ms 70, 1897, par. 59–62

Its end is the salvation of souls, for God keeps believers through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time, so that they greatly rejoice even when for a season they are in heaviness through many trials.EW 23.1+2 Those striving for the crown of immortal life find the forces of Satan arrayed against them, especially in the last time when he works with masterly power by subtle temptations, yet the believing soul looking to Jesus the Author and Finisher of faith is kept by divine power, is not overcome by the wily foe, gives glory to God in temptation, loves Christ though unseen, and rejoices with joy unspeakable and full of glory.Lt 32, 1894, par. 6–7+1 The Lord tests and proves every soul, purifying faith as earthly silver and gold are purified by fire in order that its worth may be made apparent.Lt 48, 1894, par. 17–20 This testing is set within the hope of a sure inheritance in the earth made new and the final salvation of believers, applying to believers in every age with special significance for those living near the end.AA 517.2–518.1+1 Enduring the testing is worthwhile because it leads to eternal life and a share in Christ's glory, as believers suffer faithfully for Jesus, overcome sin and temptation, crucify self daily, give up error and turn wholly to God, and are thus prepared for immortality and translation.EW 23.1+1

Proven faith magnifies the name of the Lord, works for the good of those who love God, and reveals His abundant grace and strength before the heavenly universe, before unfallen worlds, and before men.Ms 70, 1897, par. 59–62+2 Though God already knows every heart, motive and thought, He permits Satan to tempt, try and test believers, as with Abraham and the children of Israel, so that trust and confidence in God may be revealed and obedience to His written word shown, and with every permitted temptation He makes a way of escape so that none are tempted above what they are able to bear but are given divine strength to resist and escape.13MR 361.1–3+1 These close personal tests will be found unto honour and glory when judgment sits and every person is judged according to deeds done in the body.13MR 361.1–3 Trials are meant to strengthen faith rather than make it fail, to raise truth to greater value and cultivate Christian graces, so that refined faith brings praise, honour and glory to God at Christ's appearing.ST Sep 29, 1898+1 The faithful example of the righteous makes the reality of faith and godliness clear to others, while their consistent conduct exposes and condemns unbelief and ungodliness.4SP 48.1–49.2+1

Those entirely surrendered to Him, always looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of faith, will be found unto praise and honour and glory at His appearing, delivered from the devices of evil men and evil angels, breaking the bonds of sin and Satan to serve God without fear in holiness and righteousness all the days of life.14MR 85.2–3+1 Those who abide in Christ with Christ abiding in them, who have crucified self and are bound up with Jesus, are loved by God and will be found unto His praise and honour.Lt 52, 1907, par. 10–12+1 Every word and action should be of a character that will receive praise and honour and glory when Jesus appears, calling for rejoicing, educating heart and lips to praise God, speaking cheerful words, pressing closer to Jesus, talking of His love and telling of His power, showing fortitude, courage and stability as examples to the youth, using talents to honour the Creator and Redeemer, and helping youth understand salvation and walk in safe paths.ST Aug 20, 1896 What is tested as by fire is precious, and this applies to established truth that has stood the test of trial, to be met against those who would draw disciples away, and to a complete Christlike character gained through disciplined work in Christ, the only treasure that can be carried into the future life and heavenly courts.Lt 109, 1899, par. 33–34+1 Those who maintain a living connection with heavenly agencies by looking to the Saviour by faith amid warfare against fallen angels and heaviness through manifold temptations will be protected and found to His praise and honour and glory at His appearing.Lt 52, 1907, par. 10–12

Having shared Christ's sufferings, the tried are brought into closer fellowship with Him, receive His consolation, and are fitted to share His glory at His appearing.Ms 12, 1895, par. 1–3+2 Every soul who is saved must share with Christ in His sufferings in order to share with Him in His glory, for trial is the way spiritual strength is gained, educating God's people to lean wholly upon Him and become more spiritualized and preparing them through rightly received experiences for work done in His name.Ms 76, 1903, par. 5 Severe afflictions try and refine faith as fire refines gold, removing earthliness and developing faith, hope and patience so that Christ's image may be reflected, and such suffering and humiliation are not proof of defeat but prepare the faithful for glory and honour when Christ appears.5T 474.3–475.1 In all ages Christ's chosen are educated and disciplined in the school of trial, walking narrow paths, purified in the furnace of affliction, enduring for Jesus' sake opposition, hatred, calumny, sore conflicts, self-denial and bitter disappointments.GC88 649.1 By painful experience they learn the evil, power, guilt and woe of sin and look on it with abhorrence, and a sense of the infinite sacrifice made for its cure humbles them and fills them with gratitude and praise unknown to those who have never fallen, so that because they have been forgiven much they love much.GC88 649.1

The verse sets a high standard to be attained, a most precious representation of what Christians may become if they hear and obey.Lt 188, 1906, par. 1–4 It is a warning to those lifting up the soul unto vanity, to be impressed upon the churches in every place, to be read and practiced with watchfulness and prayer.Lt 188, 1906, par. 1–4 It is to be studied by fathers and mothers with all powers of intelligence and to be expressed in words and actions.Lt 188, 1906, par. 1–4 It belongs to instruction pointing to the source of strength, for by Christ's sacrifice every provision is made to receive all things pertaining to life and godliness.14MR 351.3–4+1 God calls believers to the highest standard of glory and virtue, to Christian perfection by being sanctified in soul, body and spirit, learning Christ's meekness and lowliness and knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ, so that Christ can present a church without spot or wrinkle.14MR 351.3–4

It is instruction needed at this time and an admonition to believing, commandment-keeping people to be faithful laborers together with God in the salvation of sinners, every soul held responsible for the proper exercise of entrusted talents.Ms 13, 1895, par. 10–11 The chapter is to be studied carefully, for following the Spirit of truth in willing obedience brings spiritual strength.Lt 78, 1911, par. 10–12 It gives instruction on the manner of labor, showing that medical missionary work is to be bound up with gospel ministry in unity, with physicians and ministers working together in soul-saving work separate from the world and free from worldly counsels and controlling influences.Lt 220, 1903, par. 28–30 It comforts the feeble and afflicted, feeds hungry souls with rich food from the living oracles, strengthens and blesses them, and shows the love of God bestowed in large measure on His chosen ones.Ms 2, 1892, par. 23–27

Affliction that tests and purifies faith is not proof of being forsaken nor reason to despair or doubt salvation.2T 97.1–98.1+1 Severe trials are designed to draw believers closer to Christ, as a refiner purifies precious ore, and God remains near to comfort and sustain them.LSEGW 61.3+1 Patience, faith and submission through suffering bring glory to God, and tested faith gives support and consolation when earthly supports fail.2T 97.1–98.1 The afflicted are to trust God simply, rest in Jesus, receive His help in weakness, surrender burdens to Christ and receive His peace, waiting in hope for the Saviour to redeem His tried and faithful ones.2T 97.1–98.1+2 Trials of faith serve to purify and advance God's people, and believers can find comfort and hope in God through times of darkness, for pain and affliction test faith yet Jesus promises to restore and sustain those who trust in Him.Lt 41, 1902, par. 10+1

Being in heaviness through manifold temptations need bring no discouragement, for the trial of the faith of every true child of God is a purifying furnace fire.12MR 80.1–81.2+1 That trial develops a Christlikeness of character revealing to the world the fruit of genuine faith, and will be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.12MR 80.1–81.2+1 The trying with fire is God's work of purification by which He overrules every event for His own glory and for the good of the afflicted one, giving grace and strength and restraining the adversary, while the tried one remains steadfast in faith with devotion to Jesus nothing can break.Lt 28, 1894, par. 9–12 Such testing is more precious than gold which perishes even when refined by fire, purifying believers from earthly attachments and preparing faith to bring praise, honour and glory at Christ's appearing, so believers must endure enemies' taunts and attacks and overcome obstacles Satan places in the way.5T 578.1 God may allow faith to be tested through severe trials while limiting Satan's power, and such trials purify believers and fit them better for His work.SG2 180.1–2

Suffering that consumes dross and brightens gold can bring people nearer to Jesus even when they faint under discouragement and feel distant from Him.LSEGW 105.3 Trials consume what is false and strengthen what is genuine, draw believers nearer to Jesus, and are used for their good to prepare them to serve others and endure greater conflicts.SG2 88.2–89.1 The trial is precious because of what a person makes of it, for in the strain of living and working with people who differ, faith is put to use by responding with kindness and a Christlike spirit rather than demanding that all conform to one person's wishes.Ms 181, 1907, par. 1–4 Individuality may remain while controlled by the Holy Spirit, so that differences do not cause friction and the work benefits hearts.Ms 181, 1907, par. 1–4 In dealings with people of different temperaments faith is tested as believers learn to weigh words and walk humbly and prayerfully before God.Lt 56, 1910, par. 3

Testing may come through circumstances that reveal what is in the heart and call for greater effort to keep faith active, developing Christian character and preparing for the blessing sought even when prayer is answered in an unexpected way.Lt 9, 1873, par. 6–7 Hard trying circumstances act as a furnace to try character, detecting dross and worthless metal and revealing gold by exposing how much self has been mingled with plans and course of action, so where an institution serves as such a furnace it should be allowed to live and continue that work.Lt 21c, 1892, par. 6 All are subject to trials and earth-born sorrows, and the trial of faith is enduring temptation in them without falling, for which the grace of Christ is given.13MR 88.1–89.1 In the home this means bearing little annoyances, perplexities, neglect, wrong, selfishness and unjust dealing with meekness and self-control in the spirit of Christ, pitying and praying for the wrongdoer and going to the Saviour instead of seeking sympathy, cherishing a hard spirit, or manufacturing an irritating yoke by a loveless course.13MR 88.1–89.1 Living in this world is living on trial, to be tried as gold is tried in fire, with strict examination of what use has been made of God's goods, whether opportunities to win souls have been faithfully improved and entrusted talents faithfully used in service, on which future welfare depends.Lt 133, 1901, par. 20–21

God tries the faith of His people to test character, and the trial comes in emergencies calling for sacrifice and self-denial to carry out His purposes.6T 104.3 Those willing to sacrifice are honoured with partnership in His work, while those unwilling to practice self-denial are tested so that their course appears to human eyes as it appears to Him who reads the heart.6T 104.3 Peter's letters strengthened the faith and courage of believers enduring trials and affliction and encouraged those tempted to lose hold on God to return to good works.AA 517.1 For young Sabbath-keepers influenced by the world, distress and perplexity test whether faith is genuine, requiring either conversion and holiness through obedience to truth or remaining with the world and sharing its reward.STB 840.2–3 God tests and purifies His people like gold, consuming what is false so His image is reflected in them, requiring endurance of hardship and suffering for truth with subdued wills and lives wholly consecrated to God, so that those rooted in truth can endure even in dark and difficult circumstances.1T 355.1–2

Trials test faith and reveal whether people will remain faithful under temptation and trust in a power beyond themselves.7T 210.3 They bring hidden traits of character to light, and God allows self-sufficient people to be sorely tempted so they can recognize helplessness.7T 210.3 Sacred truths brought to bear on the heart purify faith by removing dross, and believers must endure suffering rather than shun it, sharing Christ's sufferings as He did, overcoming through trials unto presentation without spot or wrinkle.RH Sep 16, 1862