3:151 Peter 3:15

Sanctify the Lord God in the heart means to set Him apart as holy within, honoring Him with supreme love, reverence and obedience in thought, word and life.6T 120.2–3+4 Be ready always means to be prepared at all times, like minute-men and women, to give to anyone who asks a plain, intelligent reason for the hope within.CEv 20.1+4 That hope is the living hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ, resting on His resurrection, His blood and the promises of God, with an imperishable inheritance reserved in heaven.1T 647.3–648.1+4 Such readiness comes by dwelling on Christ in prayer, letting His word dwell richly within with a pure heart, and by diligently studying Scripture for oneself so truth is stamped on the heart and life and not merely agreed to.ST Apr 2, 1894+4 The reason must be given with meekness and godly fear, without harshness, boasting or retaliation, from a softened heart under the Holy Spirit's control, commended by a good conscience and courteous conduct.6T 120.2–3+4

The verse commands setting apart and honoring the Lord God as holy in the heart, with supreme love for God and for those for whom Christ died, to be lived out and practiced rather than merely claimed.6T 120.2–3+4 Honoring Him in the heart belongs with remaining unafraid even when suffering for doing right and being ready always to explain the hope within to anyone who asks, with meekness and reverence rather than complaint, retaliation, or harshness.6T 120.2–3+4 This readiness requires becoming students of the Bible rather than remaining ignorant, and belongs to a life shaped by God's control and education.ST Apr 2, 1894+1

Sanctifying Him inwardly means dwelling on Christ, meditating upon Him, and drawing near to Him in prayer, through which the Holy Spirit shapes the mind to recognize Christ as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.Ms 46, 1898, par. 5–9+1 It means having the living Word dwell richly within, with the heart subdued by grace, cleansed and made pure, kept clean and given its rightful place to God under faithful watch and honest self-examination, and lifting the heart to God through Jesus Christ for the Holy Spirit's guidance.RH May 1, 1900+4 This inward devotion makes people of faith, prayer, and power who can give faithful testimony and serve as missionaries speaking lovingly without mixing their own spirit into their words, while mere speech, outward forms, ceremonies, and knowledge without a consistent life cannot take its place.RH May 1, 1900+3 Through faith Christ gives new life and strong hope, and this renewal makes a useful life possible.Lt 79, 1898, par. 6–7

Sanctifying Him means revering Him as holy, exalted, wise, just, and majestic, with continual humbling of self and fear to offend Him, for a right view of His holiness and glory is essential for Him to impress the mind.Lt 5, 1896, par. 7–8 It means loving God supremely and loving neighbor as self, the two principles on which the law and the prophets rest, binding the person to God through obedience, with all goodness coming from the Holy Spirit through full surrender receiving grace that teaches self-denial and following Christ.Lt 48, 1902, par. 25–27 This godly fear is not servile terror, cowardly dread, or fear of punishment, but dread of doing anything Christ would not approve, regulating Christian experience and joining reverence and love with self-abasement, firm reliance on God, and obedience.Ms 78, 1897, par. 8+1

Sanctifying Him is shown by thorough conversion, deeper consecration, and surrender wholly to the Holy Spirit's power, coming to God in weakness to receive perfect submission to His will, so the reason for hope is given in a note recognized as having its origin in God.Ms 53, 1912, par. 32–33+1 It means dying daily to self as required of those God accepts into His service, that they may be regenerated, made fit to serve successfully, and reach heaven, knowing the hope through living personal experience of truth in Jesus rather than mere theory, with the heart cleansed from sin and turned from evil.Ms 8, 1875, par. 2+1 It means realizing allegiance to God and to Jesus Christ on every point in heart, words, and actions, cultivating in home life a character representing the church above, purifying the soul from all commonness, praying for the home, instructing the family, and setting before children and households in word and deportment an example leading them to desire consecrated loving service, a plain work laid on fathers, mothers, and all supervising children in schools to understand their right relation and teach diligently.Ms 65, 1886, par. 17–22+2

Sanctifying Him includes keeping the Sabbath holy with a strictly devotional frame of mind, improving its sacred hours to the best of one's ability, calling it a delight, obeying God's law and the light of His Word, keeping the day God sanctified and blessed, and laboring for others' conversion and helping them serve and honor God.GW92 209.1+4 Heaven beholds those who acknowledge the claims of the fourth commandment and observe the Sabbath, and angels mark their interest in and high regard for this divine institution.GW92 209.1+1 Those who thus sanctify God are specially blessed by angels with light and health and special strength, while those who fail to appreciate the sacredness of God's sanctified day have angels turn away and remove light and strength, leaving them overshadowed with cloud, desponding and frequently sad and feeling lack of the Spirit of God.GW92 209.1+1

Keeping the verse stands opposite taking up mind-cure science, Satan's masterpiece dish of fables that confuses and dazes, guides the imagination so a man does not understand his own mind, and puts a spell upon mind, character, and especially physical powers.Lt 133, 1901, par. 3–4+1 It means practical godliness through entire subordination to God's will, leaving an undecided position to take a decided position, refusing to let the mind be molded by personal ideas and the unsanctified counsel of those separated from God and unsanctified by the Holy Spirit.Lt 133, 1901, par. 3–4+1 Being ready to explain the hope within with meekness and fear keeps the mind from confusion, dazing, and the enemy's spell.Lt 133, 1901, par. 3–4

The command belongs to suffering for doing good without fear, with a clear conscience and righteous, honest conduct in Christ, following Christ who once suffered for sins to bring people to God.Lt 124, 1906, par. 15+2 Affliction itself is not evidence of guilt, and the good seed of God's Word produces a changed life marked by a meek and quiet spirit, compassion, brotherly love, courteous conduct, and blessing rather than retaliation.Ms 30, 1898, par. 25–26 Such good conduct in Christ, joined with keeping the mind uplifted to God and contemplating Christ to speak wisely and graciously, exposes false accusations as unjust and puts accusers to shame.Lt 48, 1897, par. 24–26+3

The surrounding chapters give encouragement to those laboring in church capacity to bring souls from the service of sin to righteousness by the working of the Holy Spirit on the heart, including confessing error when mistaken and being willing to change an accepted idea or doctrine rather than refusing correction.Lt 32a, 1910, par. 26–28 They carry an important message for ministers and their wives that the gospel's convicting, converting power must search their hearts and homes, or an irreligious element will remain in the family.Lt 164, 1910, par. 4

Believers are to be ready always, as minute men and women, to explain to anyone who asks the reason for the hope within them, not waiting to be forced but actively seeking opportunities and watching unto prayer rather than being ashamed to confess faith.CEv 20.1+2 That readiness does not mean forcing doctrinal points on others or introducing disputed ideas that arouse argument and prejudice, but speaking of what opens the heart and then answering when inquiry is made.MC 32.1+2 Even the newly converted are included in this call, living in fellowship with Christ as His witnesses to make Him known, constantly searching the Scriptures to know the reason for faith and telling the simple story of the love of Jesus rather than pushing into controversy, with readiness growing as they are set to work for others.Lt 12, 1890, par. 50–55+1 Words are to be carefully chosen and conduct is to recommend the truth by showing its sanctifying power in character, for the work is solemn and calls for wisdom.CEv 20.1+2 The answer is to reflect Christ and present truth as it is in Him, especially the story of the atonement that touches hearts and lifts Him up as One who hates sin, loves sinners, and bore their sins to give them His righteousness, with the heart kept under the Holy Spirit's control so He supplies wisdom to know what to say and what to leave unsaid and gives words that sow seed for eternal life.CEv 20.1+3

The hope to be explained is the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ.Lt 12, 1890, par. 50–55+1 It is a living hope, unlike hope arising from the natural heart, resting on Christ's resurrection, blood and new life, assuring an imperishable inheritance reserved in heaven and salvation to be revealed in the last time.Lt 112, 1899, par. 4–6+1 Through faith in Christ's resurrection new life quickens the whole person and gives assurance of being made alive with Christ, and through His blood believers are sanctified and may hope to meet departed loved ones again.Lt 112, 1899, par. 4–6+1 This hope is received through faith in God's promises and knowledge of Christ, and those who possess genuine religion can give a reason for it.Lt 12, 1890, par. 50–55+1

Giving the answer means proving positions from the Scriptures and substantiating every claimed truth from the revealed Word of God as the unerring standard, chart and guide.Lt 12, 1890, par. 50–55+2 Each person must investigate the Scriptures for himself and know for himself what the Lord says, using the Bible as light and proof rather than taking any man as authority, since the same source that gave light to another stands open to all.9MR 216.4–217.3+2 Ministers especially must be ready to explain the reasons for faith and hope in the perilous last days, grounding answers in Scripture and presenting strong arguments with meekness and reverence for God, not with noise, aggression or boisterousness, for strong arguments presented in that spirit have power to convince.1T 647.3–648.1+1 The truth is to be presented as it is in Jesus, especially the atonement, with the Sabbath given first place among central points and with wisdom in dealing with human minds.6T 324.4–325.1+2

Readiness requires seeking wisdom and a fuller, firm, intelligent knowledge of position and present truth so the foundation of hope can be explained from Scripture with meekness.Ms 11, 1894, par. 25–29+2 That includes carrying the truth home, reading and searching to find out about the breach, seeking the Lord in order to find Him, and being employed in lifting up the seventh-day Sabbath that has been trampled underfoot and replaced by a spurious day as the memorial of creation.Ms 11, 1894, par. 25–29+1 It includes studying the heavenly sanctuary thoroughly, for the sanctuary is the center of Christ's work for humanity, concerns every person, reveals the plan of redemption through the close of time and shows the final triumph of righteousness over sin, with both young and old to investigate these truths and understand Christ's work as High Priest and the investigative judgment in order to bear witness to truths entrusted to them.4SP 313.1+1 It includes understanding the state of the dead so as to answer deceptive claims and withstand spirits impersonating dead relatives and loved ones, performing miracles and teaching false doctrines such as the claim that the Sabbath has been changed, keeping minds on present truth rather than being diverted by fables, false doctrines, dangerous errors and surrounding events, and seeking wisdom from above to prepare to stand in the day of the Lord.EW 103.1+2

The reason is to be given plainly, simply, clearly and intelligently in unambiguous words, for speaking about the faith without understanding it can misrepresent the truth and harm its cause.3T 331.2+2 It is to be presented simply, sincerely, humbly and with lowliness, in a way suited to each person and occasion, giving each hearer a fitting portion of meat in due season and feeding them spiritual nourishment at the right time, without dwelling on theories above the simplicity of truth or stirring political argument.6T 75.3–4+3 That requires studying Scripture and understanding principles of faith rather than merely following a practice from family custom, with Bible study and conduct showing the truth's good influence doing more good than mere talk, and with practical godliness in which Christ's life and lessons guide conduct and His spirit is reflected.3T 331.2+2 Scripture supplies those reasons and its promises, and being prepared to share them in a way that does not offend but glorifies God can help people in difficulty and perplexity when they are willing to hear, even when questioned by rulers or learned critics.Ms 4, 1888, par. 15+2

Knowing reasons alone does not ensure true piety or an intelligent understanding of the truth in Jesus.FE 162.1+1 Some believers are unable to give an informed reason and others have a zeal not according to knowledge, and such believers best recommend the truth not by argument or talk in vindication of faith but by living its principles, leading a modest, humble, consistent life as disciples of the meek and lowly Christ.Ms 2, 1914, par. 7+1 They should talk less in its defense, study the Bible more, and let deportment bear eloquent testimony to the power for good which the truth exercises on the willing heart and life.Ms 2, 1914, par. 7+2 Being ready with reasons requires being intelligent on those reasons, taking interest in and handling subjects of vital importance to faith and present position instead of refusing to touch them, and acting in harmony with preaching by doing the everyday duties of life required by the weightier matters of the law, for religion is not merely emotions and beliefs and earnest talk about solemn gospel truths, the decline of religion, and evils in religious bodies, nor speaking and acting from feeling like a fretful and irritated child.Ms 2, 1914, par. 7+1

The answer is to be given with meekness and reverence, reflecting the meekness and calmness of Christ.6T 120.2–3+4 That excludes complaint and retaliation and harshness even under suffering for doing right, and excludes boasting and combativeness and desire to impose views, as well as ridicule and contempt and bitterness and excitement toward those who disagree.6T 120.2–3+4 The manner must not savor of self-importance, and must present the truth as it is in Christ rather than wound with words or battle in an uncontrolled human spirit.CEv 20.1+1 When calmness in answering accusations is impossible, silence is better than impatient words.GW92 396.2

The fear commanded is godly caution and careful restraint, not distrust or indecision.8MR 212.3+4 It is not slavish dread, and not fear of lacking the truth, but carefulness not to speak rashly or unwisely.6T 75.3–4+2 Every point is to be guarded, so that no unwise word is spoken and no excitement of feeling gains advantage to leave an unfavorable impression or turn minds in the wrong direction.8MR 212.3+2 Humility and meekness are needed to represent the truth for this time correctly, presenting it simply and sincerely in a way suited to each person.8MR 212.3+4

More particularly, the fear is fear lest speech savor of self and self-importance, lest unwise or careless words be spoken, and lest tone, words, manner and conduct fail to be like Christ.MC 32.1+3 It is fear lest a wrong impression be made on the inquirer and hearts be closed against the truth, with self not out of sight and the truth not appearing as it is in Jesus.6T 324.4–325.1+2 For that reason doctrinal points are not to be forced and disputed points that arouse argument and prejudice are not to be introduced, but what opens the heart is to be spoken until people ask about the hope within.MC 32.1+1

Fulfilling the command requires firm connection with Christ and a heart kept under the Holy Spirit's control, with utter helplessness without Him and much prayer.6T 324.4–325.1+2 It requires pity rather than censure for those sunk in ignorance and superstition, remembering personal sin and how long neglect was borne with, and walking with fear and trembling.GW92 396.2 Readiness comes from keeping the mind stayed on Jesus with the heart uplifted to God at all times in whatever work, even darting up silent prayer before answering as Nehemiah did before the king.ST Oct 20, 1887+3 Then the Holy Spirit gives wisdom to know what to say and what to leave unsaid, supplies words that sow seed for eternal life, helps the speaker, and applies words spoken in love so truth gives life, while prayer and contemplation of redemption and the atonement give strength to overcome objections without fearful anxiety.6T 324.4–325.1+4

The answer must come from a softened and sympathetic heart, with divine tact and tenderness and gentleness and mercy and love, like dew and still showers reviving withering plants.RH Oct 7, 1902+1 It must never be given with self exalted, with a torrent of unfitting words, with harsh voice or pen, with human passion and impulse, with denunciation and castigation, or with personal thrusts and repetition of opposers' false statements, but by holding to affirmative assertions of living truth.RH Oct 7, 1902+3 Words are to be kept pure and calm, sustained by the Word, with the soul emptied of natural self and rash temperament, so that opposition is powerless and angels open the way before the witness.GW 358.3+1 Even when adversaries misapply Scripture and threaten in order to stir retaliation, help is present to reveal the Spirit of Christ and give words as a sweet odor exalting Christ.16MR 295.3–296.2

Such meekness and calmness like Christ's, answering without confusion and agitation and without viewing matters in a wrong light through diseased imagination, requires unenfeebled physical, mental and moral energies and unclouded faculties with clear judgment.Ms 105, 1898, par. 1–6+3 Disease, especially nervous dyspepsia from gratified depraved appetite and excessive labor, hinders weighing evidences, comprehending God's requirements, appreciating the atonement, and delighting in the Word.CTBH 153.5 Indulged appetite, feverish diet, rich food and flesh-meats make foul blood that beclouds moral and intellectual powers, excites animal passions, and leaves one less prepared to give a reason for the hope within.CTBH 153.5+2 Temperance in eating, restricted appetite, simple healthful food that makes the best blood, sound health, and self-control preserve physical health, intellectual strength, calmness and clear mind for faithful answering.Ms 105, 1898, par. 1–6+2

Readiness to answer requires becoming a student of the Bible rather than remaining ignorant of God's word, studying diligently and prayerfully to know why belief is held, to understand its evidences, and to meet doubts with clear light.ST Apr 2, 1894+4 Such study enriches the mind, strengthens faith, shapes character, and prepares even one or two believers scattered in a place to live sincerely before the world, let light shine, and impress and convict unbelievers.ST Apr 2, 1894+2 The answer is to rest on sound understanding and principle rather than feelings or fanaticism, and knowing the Bible keeps believers obedient when faith is tested.ST Mar 6, 1879+1 God's people know the truth only in measure and need every ray of light sent at this time to become better qualified, which means hearing the present message, bringing Bibles, and letting no business sufferance or sacrifice keep them from the gatherings where that light is given, for such preparation is coming up to the help of the Lord against the mighty.Lt 7, 1893, par. 3 When truth is rooted in the soul it shows in expression and conduct as calm, dignified self-possession and peace that gives evidence the truth is valuable for others to hear.CEv 49.2

Each person must investigate the Scriptures for himself and know for himself what the Lord says, with no man taken as authority.9MR 216.4–217.3+2 The same source that gave another man light stands open to give light and proof to substantiate doctrines believed, and Scripture is to be used as light, proof, chart and guide to heaven rather than walking in another's torch.9MR 216.4–217.3+2 No person's teaching is safe to follow unless it agrees with Scripture, and faith is not to be held merely because of family custom.Ms 4, 1888, par. 15+1 Searching the Scriptures for oneself enables knowing the truth and giving anyone who asks a reason for the hope within, intelligently, with meekness and fear, even when questioned by rulers or learned critics.Ms 4, 1888, par. 15+2 Relying on others leaves no root and inability to answer, while personal knowledge gives stability.9MR 216.4–217.3+1

Preparation means more than agreeing with Bible truth: truth must be studied closely, stamped on the heart, brought into life, and sanctify the believer.RH May 1, 1900+2 Readiness follows submitting the heart to God's searching and cleansing, escaping the world's corruption and becoming a partaker of the divine nature, with Christ's peace and assurance of a place in the book of life and access to God.5T 333.2 The living Word must dwell richly within, and the heart must be subdued by grace and guarded through honest self-examination, for mere speech or religious forms without Christ dwelling in the soul cannot give faithful testimony.RH May 1, 1900 Walking humbly and trustingly with God with self buried in Christ brings the Holy Spirit's enabling to answer with intelligent and convincing reasons through prayer and contemplating the plan of redemption, giving strength to overcome objections raised by the enemy of truth and to face apparent difficulties without fearful trembling anxiety, because God holds the right hand, strengthens, helps, and upholds with the right hand of His righteousness and works within to will and to do His good pleasure.Ms 70, 1895, par. 7–9 It requires deep, earnest, thorough conversion rather than superficial profession that believes only because others believe and takes truth for granted, for neglecting the weightier matters, filling the mind with things of minor importance, and making eternal interest secondary leaves a person wanting, with soul dwarfed and crippled in spiritual growth and unable to enlighten or edify others, while strength and stability belong to true-hearted believers who know why they believe and can explain it; neglecting to bring truth into life and be sanctified through it leaves vulnerability to errors and heresies that can lead to loss, especially when questioned before councils and criticized.Lt 20, 1888, par. 5–6+2

Ministers must be ready to explain the reasons for faith and hope, grounding answers in Scripture and presenting strong arguments with meekness and reverence for God, not with noise or aggression, a readiness especially needed in the perilous last days.1T 647.3–648.1 Teachers are to honor God in heart, words and writing and teach clear, accurate truths so students can share them with others.Lt 65, 1898, par. 41–45+1 Every believer, including the newly converted, is to live in fellowship with Christ as His witness to make Him known, constantly searching the Scriptures to know the reason for faith, telling the simple story of the love of Jesus rather than pushing into controversy, with readiness growing as believers are set to work for others and find in Christ an unfailing helper for all who come to Him.Ms 44, 1895, par. 13 Preparation comes through solid instruction in Bible truth, especially its doctrines and Jesus' practical lessons, so believers can stand firm against errors that resemble truth, and camp-meeting sermons and Bible classes should equip people to give this reason.GW92 228.3 Youth must be equipped to explain the hope with humility and reverent fear because wherever they go they will meet skeptics and infidels, and that readiness comes from a pure and humble heart with the fear of the Lord, which is better than all knowledge gained without that fear and guards against being entrapped by Satan through a little knowledge of science and through the poisonous atmosphere of doubt spread by wicked men and infidel productions that live on to curse the world and ruin souls; the unqualified should not teach until fitted, and superficial knowledge leaves confusion before courts and learned people.6T 159.2+2

Daniel with Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah exemplify this readiness in Babylon by making the most of educational opportunity, joining diligent effort to secure knowledge with a living connection with the God of all wisdom, so that Daniel had understanding even in visions and dreams.STE 218.1–219.1+2 Close application under God's training is richly rewarded with heavenly wisdom, and knowledge so gained serves in strait places, for God will not supply deficiencies caused by mental and spiritual indolence.STE 218.1–219.1 Human agents must exercise faculties to acquire knowledge, become deep-thinking men, and win in the investigation of vital doctrines concerning salvation of the soul, that glory may be given to the God of heaven as supreme, until even judges and kings in courts of justice, parliaments and councils acknowledge that the God who made heaven and earth is the only true and living God, the author of Christianity and of all truth, who instituted the seventh-day Sabbath when the foundations of the world were laid.STE 218.1–219.1 Their diligent learning and close connection enabled them to stand examination in all learning and wisdom and, when faith and knowledge were questioned under deadly threat, to answer with counsel and wisdom rather than retaliation and to honor God before judges, kings and councils.STE 218.1–219.1+2

Faith must be firmly founded upon the word of God, not resting in suppositions and ill-defined ideas of truth, but gaining a thorough knowledge of the bearings and positions of truth by diligent study of the Scriptures and most critical examination of what is held, with prayer and fasting, under precious Bible truth appropriate for this time showing the perils right upon them.GW 299.1–2+2 Believers must awake out of sleep to such foundation so that when the testing time comes and they are brought before councils to answer for faith they are ready always to give a reason with meekness and fear.GW 299.1–2+2 This readiness matters because people are seeking to know what Scripture says and to build lives on a firm foundation, and Christians should be able to answer them as the Holy Spirit works through the word in searching hearts.ST Apr 10, 1907 Every believer must know what he believes about present truth and understand the evidences of faith so he can give a satisfactory reason for positions held and explain belief clearly when separated from those of like faith and compelled to stand singly and alone.GW 298.2–3+1 Heresies coming among them will sift those without such foundation, separating the chaff from the wheat, and trial and controversy reveal confusion, weakness and departure from the living God by turning to men and putting human wisdom in place of divine, exposing great ignorance and confused ideas in many who profess knowledge and even preach to others yet take understanding for granted and have no just appreciation of the work for the present time.GW 299.1–2+2

The readiness to explain hope must be joined to a good conscience and honest, courteous conduct in Christ, with blessing instead of retaliation, so that false charges are exposed as unjust and accusers are put to shame.Lt 48, 1897, par. 24–26+4 That life is the fruit of God's good seed in the Word, shown in a changed life marked by a meek and quiet spirit, compassion, brotherly love and courtesy.Ms 30, 1898, par. 25–26+1 Keeping the mind uplifted to God and contemplating Christ helps believers speak wisely and graciously, and suffering for doing good is better than suffering for doing evil.Ms 88, 1894, par. 3–4+1 In the home circle this means gentle words and actions, kindness, peace, happiness, love and Christian courtesy rather than trifling, cheap, fretting speech, cultivating gentleness and keeping the peace of Christ in the heart as an incorruptible ornament precious to God.Lt 34, 1894, par. 34–39 The same readiness calls youth to understand and hold their faith, since coming trials will test character and reveal whether truth lives within.1T 506.1–507.4

When truth is rooted in the soul it appears in face, expression and conduct as calm, dignified self-possession and peace, giving evidence of a truth worth hearing.CEv 49.2+3 That witness upholds the truth of God's Word in Christ and stands in contrast to shallow talk focused on clothing, fashion and personal adornment.Lt 19, 1897, par. 24 Bible students are thus to open God's Word to those in error while showing through Christian dignity that they know something valuable for others to hear.GW92 347.2+1 This readiness belongs to the sacred charge to share truth and to study the Bible so as to explain hope when asked.CEv 49.2+1

Every follower must become a Bible student rather than remain ignorant, so that even one or two scattered in a place can live sincerely before the world and be ready to tell why they hope, letting light shine to impress and convict unbelievers.2T 632.1–633.3 Conduct that does not follow the pure principles of truth brings shame upon it, while correct representation by word and act shows Christ dwelling in the heart by faith and walking with the believer.6T 81.4+1 An inconsistent life disobeys the command and wounds Christ afresh and puts Him to open shame, but obedience makes believers the light of the world and prepares them to be hidden by God in the time of trouble.ST Oct 20, 1887 For this the truth must be stamped upon the heart and the heart cleared of nominal faith and trivial, dwarfing, binding concerns so Christ can enter.Ms 4, 1885, par. 11 Love for Christ and concern for souls then moves believers, as it moved the early Christians, to make others acquainted with the reason for hope and bring light to minds darkened by error.RH May 26, 1903

The faith to be explained works by love and purifies the soul.9T 178.1+3 Christian training schools, especially schools joined to sanitariums and health institutions, exist to send forth gospel medical missionary evangelists who can explain that faith and become able ministers to suffering humanity.11MR 188.3–190.1+2 Institutions that train such workers are therefore valuable.Ms 89, 1908, par. 16–17

The reason for hope is given not by finite human methods, multiplied plans, wisdom, excellent talents, great knowledge, mortal ability or debate, but by accepting God's plans and conditions and staying joined to the living vine for vital force.Lt 22, 1894, par. 32–33+2 It is given through unselfishness, self-denial, and being full of grace and truth, living by every word from God's mouth, keeping Christ as the vital essence of the message, and showing His love, spirit and life-giving power to transform character.Lt 22, 1894, par. 32–33+2 Those pardoned, cleansed and sanctified through Christ cannot rest or hoard the inexhaustible treasure of grace but must tell it in every city until beams that illumined their minds shine into other minds, with converted souls in turn becoming witnesses to the sinful, the erring, the outcast, and even to pleasure-loving professors through warm, inspired personal appeals.Ms 78, 1900, par. 11–14 This readiness means always speaking of grace and saving power, talking of God's goodness and power, putting away gloom and unbelief and talking faith, laying hold of Him who has all power every hour and advancing daily to higher attainments unto the full stature of men and women in Christ.Ms 118, 1904, par. 21–22

Believers must be awake and ready to answer for allegiance to God's law when brought before councils, magistrates, rulers, legislative bodies and learned critics to account for their faith, especially in the coming crisis over religious liberty and the perils close upon them.GW 299.1–2+4 That readiness requires faith firmly founded on the Word by diligent study, critical examination, prayer and fasting under present truth, not resting in suppositions, ill-defined ideas, family custom or superficial knowledge that leaves confusion before courts.GW 299.1–2+4 Heresies will sift those without such foundation, separating chaff from wheat, while persecution, unjust sentences and opposition stir public inquiry and open the way so that the result is for truth.GW 299.1–2+1 The witness is to be given with meekness and reverence through the Holy Spirit, simply, intelligently and with practical godliness, so as not needlessly to provoke opposition.ST Nov 15, 1905+3

Camp meetings and gatherings where present light is given are schools that qualify believers to explain the hope within them, and no business sufferance or sacrifice should keep them away when they know truth only in measure and need every ray sent at this time.Lt 7, 1893, par. 3+3 Solid instruction in doctrines and the practical lessons of Jesus in sermons and Bible classes prepares them to stand against errors resembling truth and to come up to the help of the Lord against the mighty.Lt 7, 1893, par. 3+1 Young workers training for service, including those educated in medical work, should practice alongside older ministers explaining present truth and why they are Seventh-day Adventists, presenting clear and forceful truth to large crowds including unbelievers to establish, confirm and impress hearers.6T 48.5+1

Canvassers, teachers, missionaries in Washington and in cities, sanitarium workers, hygienic restaurant workers, and children of unbelievers in schools are all to use daily contacts to make reasons known.Lt 328, 1907, par. 3–5+4 Hygienic restaurant workers in particular must become acquainted with patrons inside the restaurant and when meeting them outside, bringing principles of truth before their minds and conversing about what must be done to inherit eternal life, since conversion of souls is the one aim of that work and not inventing many fancy dishes to gratify appetite with no time left to create interest in truth.Ms 150, 1905, par. 17–18 Printed accounts of discourses can put those reasons into hands that do not know them, the warning is to reach new places, and Sabbath truth is learned as believers live practical faith, welcome others into meetings, and share through patient Christlike association rather than condemnation.Lt 328, 1907, par. 3–5+3

Giving reasons in writing to a people of another language and in print requires preparation by more than one or two minds, so the presentation does not bear the stamp of any one person's peculiarities.2T 671.2–672.1 Truth reached link by link in a connected chain by earnest searchers must be given in form adapted to meet the wants of many, with brevity studied to interest readers because long wordy articles injure the truth they aim to present.2T 671.2–672.1 Ministers and church papers keep strictly to affirmative Bible truth, saying It is written plainly, clearly and decidedly in practical articles so simple that children and common people cannot misunderstand, holding to living truth without excitement, evil feelings or repeating opposers' false statements, and never reproducing, discussing, explaining or combating seductive spiritualistic sophistries and heresies.GW 358.3+1

Living and working among unbelievers so as to represent truth in life and character, converted workers answer without hesitation when asked, plainly and simply presenting principles of righteousness, teaching the God worshiped and telling of Christ the Redeemer to come, so that even a heathen ruler learns what the Son of God is like and can recognize Him.PK 509.2 The early Christians likewise made others acquainted with the reason for their hope because love for Christ and concern for souls moved them to share the gospel through warm personal appeals, bringing light to minds darkened by error.RH May 26, 1903

Giving a right answer is a sacred work for time and eternity that requires carrying the burden of the work, fearing to answer wrongly, receiving the Holy Ghost, and having no appearance of evil.9MR 255.2+1 Children trained in self-denial and missionary work can thus explain faith plainly and clearly when questioned.Ms 66, 1905, par. 18–20 Such readiness leaves no time for dallying, courtship and lovesick sentimentalism, which show ignorance of true religion and God's work, come as the devil's invention to grasp workers, are a curse everywhere, and unfit youth for service.9MR 255.2+1