2:51 Peter 2:5

Coming to Christ the living stone, rejected by people but chosen and precious to God and laid as the cornerstone and sure foundation, makes believers themselves living stones built together into God's spiritual house and dwelling place.DA 599.1–2+3 That house gathers people from every nation and condition into one united body, each given an appointed place and fitted closely to the others.AA 595.2–596.2+4 Those built into the house are also a holy and royal priesthood, whose consecrated lives, prayer, praise, obedience, self-denying service and giving are acceptable to God only through Jesus Christ.DA 599.1–2+4 Becoming a living stone requires personal contact with Christ to receive His life, laying aside malice, guile, hypocrisy, envy and evil speaking, and feeding on the word to grow into His likeness.Ms 91, 1901, par. 8–10+4 Taken from the world as rough stones, believers are hewed, squared, polished and fitted in this life by trial, reproof and affliction, so that reflecting Christ's light and working together in soul-saving they shine now and are prepared for the heavenly temple.Ms 157, 1899, par. 15–16+4

The verse presents Christ as the living stone, disallowed by men but chosen of God and precious, laid in Zion as the chosen cornerstone and sure foundation for the spiritual house.DA 599.1–2+4 Those who come to Him are themselves made living stones and built together into that house, serving as a holy priesthood whose spiritual sacrifices are acceptable to God only through Jesus Christ.DA 599.1–2+4 Christ is the precious, chosen cornerstone on whom this house is built, the salvation and support of His sincere followers.STMW6 35.3–36.1+2

The church is founded on Christ Himself, not on Peter, for Christ is the Rock who cannot be overcome.DA 412.4–413.2+1 He is the only secure foundation, broad enough to receive both Jews and Gentiles and strong enough to bear the whole world, so that believers brought out of both the Jewish and Gentile world are built together into God's spiritual temple.AA 595.2–596.2+2 Jew and Gentile alike must build on Christ, and their connection with Him makes them part of this spiritual house and a dwelling place for God through the Spirit.3SP 38.2–39.1+2 Gentile believers enter by contact with Christ despite claims that only Abraham's descendants belong, and the church keeps growing even under persecution.3SP 38.2–39.1+2

Christ's power and very life dwell in His word and are imparted to all who are built upon Him.ST Jun 30, 1909 Those who set their hearts to obey what they know of God's word and receive it in faith are given power to obey, and as they heed the light they have, greater light comes.ST Jun 30, 1909 In this way character is built after the similitude of Christ's character, and as living stones they become one with the foundation because a common life dwells in all.ST Jun 30, 1909 Because this building shares God's life, it cannot be overthrown by the storms and tempests that destroy structures built on other foundations.ST Jun 30, 1909 Building on Him means faith and obedience, and connection with Him is necessary for salvation and strength against temptation.DA 599.3–4

No one becomes a living stone by human effort, by attempting to shape oneself without connection to Christ, by worldly polish, or by polished character alone.3SP 40.1+4 Living stones are made only by connection with Christ the chief cornerstone and by receiving His life through faith and obedience.3SP 40.1+2 Without being joined to Him, people will fall when tested and when trials come, while the stones gathered on the true foundation are precious and enduring.3SP 40.1+2 The day of God will reveal which work endures and which is only worthless material, for religion resting on a false foundation perishes, and Christian service and ability have true value only when built on Christ and joined to Him.SLP 155.3+2 The faithful so built are living stones whose obedience, love, and self-sacrifice reflect Christ, whose words and deeds bear witness to God's truth even after death, and who endure God's test.8RED 77.3–78.3+1

To fall upon the stone and be broken means giving up self-righteousness, coming humbly to Christ, repenting of sin, and trusting His forgiving love.3SP 40.1+1 Building on the sentiments of infidel writers is building on a sandy foundation that the storm of persecution and the storm of trial sweep away, leaving nothing to stand on, while riveting the soul to Christ is building the house upon the rock so that storms come and winds blow and it falls not.Ms 8b, 1891, par. 17–20 Getting upon that Living Rock, the Eternal Rock and Saviour of mankind, requires climbing effort with all abilities, every spiritual nerve and muscle and all mental and spiritual powers, to understand the Word of God, the incarnation of Christ, and the great plan of redemption, where the mind may faint beneath the effort and has only touched the surface with infinity beyond.Ms 8b, 1891, par. 17–20

Though rejected by the Jewish builders and put to death, Christ remained the true foundation and crowning glory of the temple.SLP 158.2 His death did not stop the building of the temple, and He remained its foundation, chosen and honored by God, honored in heaven and by the faithful on earth.SLP 158.2 To those who believe He is precious as foundation so they will not be put to shame, while to the disobedient He becomes head of the corner, a stone of stumbling and rock of offense because they stumble at the word.STMW6 35.3–36.1+4 Believers who trust Christ find Him precious, but those who reject Him stumble over the stone and the word.STMW6 35.3–36.1+2

Those who come to Christ the living stone are themselves made living stones, not dead material, and are built together into a spiritual house, which is God's spiritual temple and church on earth, a holy temple and dwelling place for God through the Spirit.DA 599.1–2+4 Joined to Christ the chosen cornerstone, believers become lively stones built up as a holy priesthood and royal priesthood, whose priestly service is to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God only by and through Jesus Christ.DA 599.1–2+4 Acceptance rests on God giving His own Son for redemption, with Christ standing before the Father to bear their sins, claiming them as His property graven on His hands and presenting in their behalf the marks of crucifixion He will bear forever, so that even consecrated lives offered in faith with improving prayer are placed on vantage ground with God.Lt 279, 1905, par. 17–18+2 These privileges call for earnest faith and active practice of the Word rather than indifference or lukewarmness, with temperate living, a mind held to its task, hunger for righteousness, closeness to the Chosen One, putting away evil, growing in faith, and making a decided change in religious life.Lt 279, 1905, par. 17–18+2

The spiritual house is gathered from both the Jewish and Gentile world, quarried out of the world by the truth from every nation and tongue and people, kindred, class, color and grade, high and low, rich and poor, learned and unlearned.AA 595.2–596.2+4 It is built not of stones from the mountains of Judea but of living people taken by the great cleaver of truth from the quarry of the world, with so complete a separation that the world notices it, and brought into God's workshop, which is this world during probation.HSFM 136.5–137.1+1 No distinction of nationality or skin color determines value or place, and since no person or nation is perfect in every habit and thought, different nationalities must mingle together, learn from one another, and become one in judgment and purpose, so that their unity in Christ displays the unity of the temple.STB 171.1–2+2

Each stone has its own appointed place and contribution and must fit closely with the others, stone fitting to stone, to make a firm, united and solid whole that reflects light to the world.RH Dec 4, 1900+3 Stones differ in form, size and dimensions, large and small, great or small, yet none is to be misshapen and each is made perfect for its place, depending on the others, so that diversity forms a united whole and a misplaced stone affects the whole.8T 173.2–174.1+2 Each living stone is living and emits light, shining with the Spirit's fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and self-control, and its value is measured by the light it reflects rather than by size or prominence.RH Dec 4, 1900+4 Now is the time for stones to be taken from the quarry and hewed, squared and polished in God's workshop, with every phase of character under divine care day by day and point by point, that each may stand as Daniel did and be prepared to fill his place and grow up a holy temple for God.Lt 60, 1886, par. 14–15+1

Only building on the true foundation endures, for human effort and worldly polish cannot make enduring stones.SLP 155.3 The stones Paul gathered from Ephesus were precious because built on Christ the true foundation, while the temple of Diana and its worship and worshippers perished because their religion rested on a false foundation.SLP 155.3 The day of God will reveal which work endures and which is only worthless material, with the faithful as living stones refined and polished by grace and by affliction endured with prayer and patience, whose obedience, love and self-sacrifice reflect Christ and ennoble life, enduring the test and bearing witness even after death unto a bright reward when the Lifegiver calls them from their graves.SLP 155.3+2 The Lord compares human beings to His building as living material God builds up, and a father who is a carpenter should use lessons in house building to teach his boys this Bible truth, always joining practical instruction in the use of tools with the Scripture lesson.Ms 69, 1910, par. 11

The stones are cut out from the quarry of the world by the truth as it is in Jesus, as by a great cleaver, and the separation is so complete that the world takes notice of it.Ms 157, 1899, par. 15–16+2 They are then brought into God's workshop, which is this present world during the time of probation, where the Lord of the temple as Master Builder hews and squares and polishes them and fits each for its place.HSFM 136.5–137.1+4 Those taken are people from every nation and tongue and people, and the defects of character and sin must not remain but be removed so that they reflect the divine image.3MR 231.3–232.2+2 God's truth removes their imperfections and prepares them to shine in fellowship with the holy angels and the King of heaven.CTBH 161.3+1

The work follows the pattern of the Jewish temple, which was built of stones quarried out of the mountains, every stone hewed and polished and tested and fitted for its place before it was brought to Jerusalem, so that the building went together without the sound of ax or hammer.HSFM 136.5–137.1+2 So also these are not dead substances to be fitted by hammer and chisel, but living people whom the Lord is now hewing and polishing and fitting for their respective places in the spiritual temple.HSFM 136.5–137.1+2 No person and no nation is perfect in every habit and thought, and none is exempt from a stroke, so different nationalities must mingle together and learn of one another to be one in judgment and one in purpose.HSFM 136.5–137.1+1 When completed the temple will be perfect in all its parts, the admiration of angels and of men, for its Builder and Maker is God.HSFM 136.5–137.1+2

All roughness and sharp corners and crookedness must go, with hammering and chiseling and squaring by the truth of God until the stones are polished and refined and ready to fill their place and grow up a holy temple.Lt 60, 1886, par. 14–15+3 This is done through test and trial that bring defects to light, and through reproof and warning and admonition and counsel and advice, and through affliction endured with prayer and patience.Lt 60, 1886, par. 14–15+2 The Comforter transforms heart and character to keep the way of the Lord and to shape lives after the divine Pattern.ST2 6.2+1 Those that give no light show they are not living stones, chosen and precious, while true stones follow the pattern of meekness and humility and patience and gentleness and willingness to be guided.5T 121.1+2

The cutting is painful like tools upon stone, yet even in the rough and when few in number the stones are very precious in His sight.6T 363.2+2 The ax and hammer and chisel of trial are in skillful hands and are used not to destroy or bring to nothing but to work out perfection and to restore and to prepare for eternal happiness.7T 264.4+2 Every blow is given in love and none is wasted or meant to destroy, for God gives this careful shaping to precious stones and not to useless material.7T 264.4+1 So trials shape rather than destroy, smoothing and polishing character to fit it for a place in the glorious temple.6T 363.2+2 Apparent lack of promise or attractiveness does not decide worth, for God does not judge by outward appearance but searches the heart and judges righteously.GW 122.3

The work calls for dying to defects of character and refusing indifference and negligence and carelessness and sin, expecting to become pure and holy.Lt 60, 1886, par. 14–15+1 Sins must go beforehand to judgment through confession and repentance and pardon, for when Christ comes it is too late for wrongs to be righted or character to be changed.Lt 60, 1886, par. 14–15 It includes becoming a saint on earth, with character truly changed and hewn and polished and made fit.Ms 37, 1894, par. 22+1 It means surrendering self and cooperating with God as the Holy Spirit removes worldliness and selfishness and pride, with self-denial and trials taking away roughness until Christ's image shines as He is loved above self.Lt 108, 1899, par. 20+2 Unchristlike conduct harms others whom God is shaping, and selfish workers whose spirit spoils the experience of those being polished will be separated.Lt 44, 1886, par. 8–10+1

The end is a people fashioned after the similitude of a palace, as transformed and polished precious stones finding their place in the building of God.Lt 60, 1886, par. 14–15+1 They are as jewels receiving all their luster from Christ the Sun of Righteousness, catching His bright beams and emitting light to all around and drawing others to Him as the great center.Lt 98, 1896, par. 4–5+2 Their value lies in living stones that reflect the bright glory where mercy and truth meet, and a stone that does not shine is worthless.ST Apr 15, 1889+1 Every person is left free to choose to be polished or to remain unpolished, but everyone pronounced worthy of a place in the Lord's temple must submit to the process and consent to have the sharp edges cut away, that character may be shapely and beautiful and fit to represent the perfection of Christ.Lt 98, 1896, par. 4–5+2

Even those who come as rough stones with unsanctified ways and manners, harsh and excitable and contending in a way that drives people from truth, must be separated from those ways by learning of Jesus in His great love and meekness and lowliness and self-denial.Lt 44, 1886, par. 8–10 Brought under the divine hand they are hewed and squared with all rough edges removed and polished until they become precious stones emitting light.Lt 44, 1886, par. 8–10 His Spirit can awaken every faculty in unpromising material, so that they endure storm and heat and pressure.GW 122.3

Those who come to Christ are themselves made living stones and built together into a spiritual house, and they are also a holy priesthood offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.DA 599.1–2+4 Joined to Christ the living stone chosen of God, believers become lively stones rather than dead material, built up as God's spiritual temple and church with temperate living, a mind held to its task, hunger for righteousness, and closeness to the Chosen One.STMW6 35.3–36.1+2 This priesthood is holy, royal, and spiritual, comprising the subjects and members of God's kingdom, sons of God and partners with Christ, a chosen people called out of darkness into marvelous light to show His praises by living in that light.STMW6 35.3–36.1+1 Such privileges call for earnest faith and active practice of God's Word rather than indifference or lukewarmness, with a decided change in religious life, putting away evil, living by the Word, and growing in faith.Lt 279, 1905, par. 17–18+1

Their sacrifices are spiritual and are acceptable to God only by and through Jesus Christ, who is the channel by whom they come to God.Ms 91, 1901, par. 8–10+2 Acceptance rests on God giving His own Son for redemption, so that those who by living faith accept Him as Saviour are placed on vantage ground with God.Ms 91, 1901, par. 8–10 Christ stands before the Father to bear their sins, saying to lay their sins on Him, claiming them as His property graven on the palms of His hands, and presenting in their behalf the marks of the crucifixion which He will bear throughout eternity.Ms 91, 1901, par. 8–10 Even the smallest talent and humblest service, when offered sincerely in love to God with desire to serve Jesus, He presents to the Father with the merit of His own life, making it wholly acceptable, and offerings of self are thus made perfect through Christ.11MR 280.1+1

The consecrated life itself, renewed in His image, is such a sacrifice, as fallen humanity ruined by sin is recreated and restored to purity and holiness.Lt 26, 1900, par. 23–25+1 As priests believers have the joyful privilege to offer in faith with improving prayer of increased faith and power, and with prayer and grateful thanksgiving that give solidity and character to God's work rather than exalting self or relying on display, buildings, dress, and outward show.Ms 91, 1901, par. 8–10+1 This priestly calling involves willing obedience to God's law and commandments, and using God-given gifts and time in self-denying service that blesses others and promotes God's glory.Ms 32, 1900, par. 9–11 It comprehends personal soul-winning work, becoming acquainted with individuals, bringing them to God and presenting them before the Father in prayer, asking Him to let His light shine into heart and mind and soul and to give wisdom.Ms 180, 1907, par. 21–22 It requires faithful giving and willing surrender in which time, service, affection, property, and tithe belong to God, with no selfish reservation of self or possessions.ST Apr 11, 1900

Cultivating speech and voice so they become a means of winning souls to Christ belongs to this offering of self made perfect through Him.Ms 22, 1886, par. 8–9 Pure words of praise and encouragement can help others in Christian experience and convict unbelievers, as part of coming to Christ the living stone and growing through the Word.Ms 73, 1897, par. 32–33 Christians who use speech to share pure, helpful, and enlightening words become living stones in God's temple, giving light and knowledge as part of His spiritual house.Ms 74, 1897, par. 4

Acceptable sacrifices are not made when men in positions of great responsibility magnify themselves and dishonor God, growing earthward with self regarded as of great importance and selfishness attached to their work, without devotion to God and without spiritual life in Jesus Christ developed.Lt 78, 1896, par. 26–29+1 Heartless ceremonies without Christ and a heartless round of service are not acceptable, for service must be wholehearted and spiritually alive, with believers giving themselves fully to God, recognizing they belong to Him and holding to Christ the chief cornerstone so faith remains firm and unconfounded.FE 461.2–462.1+1 Human self-exaltation has no value, since every capability and success comes from God, and God must shape people and remove inferior material to make them holy temples rather than letting them build themselves after their own model, with Christ abiding in the heart as inward beauty revealed in good works.21MR 47.3–5 Offering acceptable spiritual sacrifices means growing up into Christ as the living head in all things and manifesting His divine attributes to the world.Lt 78, 1896, par. 26–29+1

Becoming a living stone requires coming to Christ as the living stone in actual personal contact, beholding His perfection of character until changed into His divine likeness and receiving His life.Lt 98, 1896, par. 4–5+2 That connection makes one a living stone rather than dead material, giving a luster that emits light and draws others to Christ as the great center, with support received from Him as stone rests on foundation.Lt 98, 1896, par. 4–5+2 It means partaking of the divine nature through access to the Father, eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of God, being made alive by the Holy Spirit, and receiving power after the Spirit comes to be witnesses to the uttermost part of the earth with a worldwide message.Ms 91, 1901, par. 8–10+2 Temperate living, a mind held to its task, hunger of soul for righteousness, and closeness to the Chosen One bring this result, with strength depending on copying Christ's simplicity and making the Word the study book as source of true knowledge.Ms 91, 1901, par. 8–10+1

This building follows laying aside all malice, guile, hypocrisies, envies, and evil speakings, and as newborn babes desiring the sincere milk of the word that they may grow thereby after tasting that the Lord is gracious.Ms 111, 1901, par. 21–23+4 Feeding on the Word gives a wonderful experience, and this shared life in Christ forms a people called to show God's praises and live in holiness.Ms 111, 1901, par. 21–23+1 Coming in this way joins believers to the living and precious cornerstone rejected by men but chosen of God, building them into a spiritual house and holy priesthood.Ms 109, 1899, par. 23–24+2

It means recreation in Christ's image, with fallen humanity ruined by sin restored to purity and holiness and renewed lives offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable through Jesus Christ.ST Dec 12, 1895+1 A living stone is renewed in knowledge and true holiness, crucified to the world and made alive in Christ, with genuine conversion giving new life and union with God leading to wholehearted devoted service.2T 168.1–169.1+3 Such members abide in Jesus, separated in spirit and practice from the world, walking in love, following Christ, relying on God for the Spirit's help, and showing living faith through love, prayer, and trust.TBC1882b 3.1–4.1+1

God's people remain forever separate from the world while living in it, not of it and kept free from its contaminating influences, taken by the cleaver of truth out of the quarry of the world to be fitted for the heavenly temple.Lt 220, 1903, par. 28–30+2 They live as strangers and pilgrims and probationers, abstaining from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, with honest conversation among the Gentiles so accusers may by good works glorify God in the day of visitation.Ms 64, 1898, par. 8–10+1 They gird up the loins of the mind, are sober, hope to the end for grace at the revelation of Jesus Christ, live as obedient children not fashioned to former lusts, are holy because God is holy, pass their sojourning in fear knowing the Father judges without respect of persons, and are redeemed not with corruptible silver and gold but with Christ's precious blood as of a lamb without blemish.Ms 64, 1898, par. 8–10 On earth they pass under God's hand to have rough edges and defects removed rather than retaining what they brought from the world, keeping the temple undefiled and worshiping in spirit and truth, each stone giving light in preparation for the future inheritance.Ms 49, 1886, par. 7+1

Judas shows the warning, for by receiving the Word and growing in it a person can form a firm, Christlike character, and with abundant opportunity he could have become a living stone and priest offering acceptable sacrifices but failed to become what he could have been.ST May 20, 1897+1 A living stone is not defined by being named on church records, outward religiosity, form of godliness, display, buildings, dress, or outward show, but by inward life with hearts in harmony with God's plans and worship that is spiritual.Ms 49, 1886, par. 9+4 Character is given to God's work not by exalting self or outward show but by becoming living stones built up decently and in order, with prayer and grateful thanksgiving giving solidity.Ms 49, 1886, par. 9+1 Stones that give no light show they are not living stones chosen and precious, and those who remain spiritually dead or defiled, neglect appointed church work, or are inactive and do not shine are of no value, losing vitality until God removes misused power.3MR 231.3–232.2+1

The verse gives part of the high standard to which Christians must attain and shows what Christians may be if they hear and obey, calling for earnest faith and active practice of the Word rather than indifference or lukewarmness.Lt 279, 1905, par. 17–18+2 It is to be read by the churches in every place and practiced with watchfulness and prayer, with words and actions expressing its meaning, warning those who lift up souls unto vanity.Lt 188, 1906, par. 1–4 The whole chapter should be studied against faultfinding, for the standing described is the position of God's people, and those claiming the greatest truths must practice all they claim as truth that fits and qualifies for the kingdom, making a decided change in religious life.Ms 25, 1907, par. 8–11+1

The verse describes the genuine experience every child of God needs through abundant grace before entering the higher grade and God's kingdom.Ms 68, 1897, par. 21+2 Teachers and students must examine whether they belong to that class built into a spiritual house and priesthood, realizing God's help as Daniel and his fellows did by climbing heavenward instead of remaining on the plain and combining Christian experience with all true education.Ms 68, 1897, par. 21+2 This means advancing constantly step by step in Christian development, with schools advancing steadily, teachers imparting light from God's throne in all instruction, and words and example serving as constant help, because education is a work whose effect lasts through ceaseless eternity.6T 153.4+3

Sharing the life of Christ joins believers both to Him and to one another, fitting them together as one spiritual house and holy temple that cannot be overthrown by storms that destroy other foundations.STB 67.2–68.1+1 This oneness calls God's people to draw together, walk humbly, help one another become one in Christ, and display the unity of the temple.STB 67.2–68.1+2 Gathered from every nation and people by the truth, shaped and made ready for their places like temple stones, with no person or nation perfect in habit and thought, they must learn from one another, mingle across nationalities, and become one in judgment and purpose.Lt 20, 1896, par. 11–16+1

Medical missionary work is not to be the body but to be bound with gospel ministry, remaining forever separate from the world while living in it, not of it and free from its contamination.Lt 220, 1903, par. 28–30 Physicians and medical workers are to be molded after Christ, standing on truth uninfluenced by false theories, respecting pure living gospel principles, and laboring unitedly with the church and its ministers in disinterested soul-saving rather than in counsel with worldlings or under any one man's control.Lt 220, 1903, par. 28–30

Being living stones means working as co-laborers in order and harmony with heaven, each taking an appointed place and assigned work under God with self hid in Christ and with solemn fear at the work's sacredness.Lt 182, 1903, par. 22–23+2 It requires being divested of selfishness, living not to please, benefit or glorify self but in self-sacrifice to add others as agents for Christ in devoted service, in love for souls, seeking deep spirituality and fervent piety.8RED 80.1+1 Teachers are to model hearts, affections and characters formed in harmony with God's law and seek the same growth in converts, with unity rather than selfishness or failure to do one's part.8RED 80.1+1

Each living stone is to emit light by reflecting God's glory like a precious stone catching His beams, and a stone's value is measured by the light it reflects.RH Dec 4, 1900+2 Size and prominence do not matter, whether great or small, large or small in form and dimensions; what matters is submitting to be hewn, squared and polished and shining where placed to fulfill God's purpose.8T 173.2–174.1+2 Stones that give no light show they are not living stones, chosen and precious, while true Christians follow Christ's pattern in meekness, humility, patience, gentleness and willingness to be guided.5T 121.1+1

This light is seen in cheerful witness that shows God's praises and the glory of His law of liberty rather than gloom and despondency.ST Sep 30, 1889 Lives joined to Christ and filled with His Spirit become channels of light revealing Christ, disturbing false security, calling attention to eternal realities, with obedience willing and joyful rather than a burdensome yoke.Ms 9, 1891, par. 30–31+1 Religion is not a removable cloak but truth shaping character and conduct so faith is real within and visible to others, with heartfelt praise and gratitude from pure hearts more acceptable than costly instruments.6T 367.1+2

A living church is a working church, and every member endowed with faculties and talents is to be active in earnest persevering soul-saving, beginning with the nearest humble work rather than doing nothing.RH Nov 26, 1914+2 Leaders are to provide opportunities for all to serve according to ability, with organized work teaching every member how to share light, doing home and neighborhood work and reaching beyond to distant countries and islands, even to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the uttermost part of the earth after power comes through the Holy Spirit.8T 196.2–3+2 Business and religious life are to be ordered to keep hallowed peace and a godly example, using God-given abilities in active service.RH Nov 26, 1914+1

As members impart to those in darkness the light God gives, their own faith is confirmed and strengthened and their knowledge increased, the church lives and grows, light spreads from place to place, and revivals and conversions follow.6T 435.1+2 All find happiness in the happiness of those helped and blessed, for Christ's kingdom abolishes carnal weapons and coercion to uplift fallen humanity, with varied gifts, appropriate duties assigned by Heaven, and each member perfect day by day like Daniel with every phase of character under divine care.ST Mar 1, 1910

Parents and children together may be living stones in God's temple, with closeness to God shaping family life and fitness for church membership.Ms 100, 1902, par. 5 Taught children and souls gathered to Christ become stones that endure the last day's fires and shine forever.Lt 191, 1900, par. 8 The present shaping prepares stones for the heavenly temple, the New Jerusalem and the mansions Christ prepares, in fellowship with holy angels and the King of heaven, fitted for the exact place God intends through daily faithfulness, carrying truth to neighbors in love, and representing Christ at all times.CTBH 161.3+2

All who claim Christ must deny self, take the cross and follow Him as laborers together with God, built up as living stones into a spiritual house and holy priesthood.Ms 73, 1912, par. 22 Their practical influence and sacred service are acceptable through Jesus Christ when wholehearted and spiritually alive, joined to the chief cornerstone so faith is not confounded, while heartless ceremonies without Christ are not acceptable.FE 461.2–462.1+1 Even the weakest and feeblest become living stones and a holy nation shining amid moral darkness as signs and wonders when they exercise faith, improve entrusted powers, and submit humbly and contritely to the Spirit's molding, thus elevated, refined, perfected and brought to know His fullness.Ms 148, 1899, par. 7–8+1

The life believers have with God as living stones is hidden from worldly people and not understood or valued by the world, because spiritual things are spiritually discerned.Ms 40a, 1890, par. 46–49+1 Conversion that builds this house removes jealousy and evil suspicion and leads believers to strengthen one another, since Christ gave His life to destroy evil and build the church.Ms 17, 1909, par. 16 Linked with Christ in meekness and lowliness, content for instruction, bridling the spirit against faultfinding, bearing love for brethren, and faithful in obedience, living stones are permitted to shine by taking a prominent part in truth's holy warfare against error, making plain the contrast of righteousness and sin.SLP 158.1+1

God has a chosen and precious people through whom He carries out His purposes, and His work is not entrusted to only a few men.Lt 76, 1902, par. 5–6 Workers in the office are to be living stones emitting light and channels of truth and righteousness whose devoted unselfish conduct encourages angels, and those pardoned are to lead people from sin to righteousness.2T 126.4+2 Neglect of religious duties for business preoccupation is inconsistent with shining as living stones, while seeking to honor God, living in harmony with truth, cultivating love, and increasing faith make the church a felt power for good.Lt 31, 1888, par. 7–8+1 Believers need spiritual life from God rather than outward embellishment or what is merely common, with work showing living experience and drawing on precious truths.Ms 2, 1902, par. 3