13:52 Corinthians 13:5

The verse commands every person to examine and test themselves to prove whether they are in the faith.EW 21.6+2 The deciding test is whether Jesus Christ dwells within, for without His indwelling presence a person fails and stands rejected as worthless.EW 21.6+4 The examination is personal and individual, and it must be earnest, thorough and daily, covering thoughts, motives, temper, words, deeds, habits and conduct.Lt 102, 1886, par. 9–10+4 Its standard is God's Word and holy law, and its evidence is works and fruit revealing the character, not feelings, profession, outward observance or claims to holiness.Lt 257, 1899, par. 5+4 It requires examining oneself and not one's brother, in order to gain honest knowledge of one's condition and be led to humble repentance, confession and correction.Lt 102, 1886, par. 9–10+4

Paul's command lays on every person the duty to examine and test the self to prove whether one is in the faith.EW 21.6+4 The test is whether Jesus Christ is in the person, and without His indwelling presence one is reprobate.EW 21.6+4 Doing what is honest and good belongs to the test, for nothing can be done against the truth but only for it, and mere appearance of approval is not enough.Ms 113, 1899, par. 1–3+1 It is a personal appeal to assess one's spiritual experience and turn to the Lord wholeheartedly, making serious and candid self-examination a priority especially where eternal interests are concerned.11MR 312.2–4+1 This close testing of the self is to take the place of judging and condemning others.Ms 58, 1904, par. 7

The examination is personal and individual, requiring each one to know the true spiritual condition before God and not to deceive the self and be found wanting.Lt 102, 1886, par. 9–10+4 It is to be made by individual study of the Bible under Christ's presence and influence, seeking through God's Word an honest knowledge of one's standing rather than criticizing others and dwelling on their failures.Lt 102, 1886, par. 9–10+1 Being in the faith means Christ dwells within and the life is lived in His love and shaped by His character rather than by self-interest, while those who share His spirit and divine nature need not remain doubtful or become critical.Lt 257, 1899, par. 5+1 No one can be saved while remaining as he is, but must recognize the need for change in view of eternity.2T 316.1 Each one engaged in the Lord's work bears individual accountability to God for personal standing before Him, with urgency heightened by the coming final crisis when each will be revealed as either among God's children or among the disobedient, unthankful and unholy.Lt 102, 1886, par. 9–10+1

The examination must be earnest, thorough, critical and persevering, made daily and constantly rather than occasionally or superficially, with diligent attention to one's own soul's salvation instead of heedless indifference.Lt 11, 1880, par. 4–5+4 It is both a safeguard and a duty to test by God's Word whether one is in the faith, examining thoughts and actions rather than following personal choice or inclination.Ms 240, 1902, par. 5–6 It means inquiring into the character of motives, purposes, thoughts, feelings, tempers, words and deeds, asking whether one is guided and moving in the wisdom of God, whether one is an example of Christian holiness and an example to believers in spirit, patience and forbearance, and whether one exhibits the fruits of righteousness.Lt 11, 1880, par. 4–5+2 Without it a person becomes careless and blind to great need, overestimates ability and power, and misses deficiencies that divine truth would reveal.Lt 22a, 1889, par. 11–12+1 Self-love indulged prompts a better opinion of self than is true, correct or safe, so the heart must be searched in the light of God's Word and safety sought in constant successful warfare against one's own sinful corruptions.Lt 11, 1880, par. 4–5+1

The searching must be made humbly and meekly as a little child, willing to see the true condition with life disfigured and marked by failures and blots, in hope that something better will replace objectionable features.Lt 22a, 1889, par. 11–12+1 Such insight exalts the wisdom of God and lays human wisdom in the dust, revealing great needs and above all the constant need of the compassion and infinite mercy of the divine Redeemer.Lt 22a, 1889, par. 11–12 Each person is to examine faith thoroughly and critically by the standard of God's Word to reveal what kind of character is being formed and whether God is allowed to correct its defects, for without seeing the self in the mirror of Scripture one will not see the kingdom of God.Lt 78, 1901, par. 5–8 The testing of one's own ways for what is wrong is to be constant, and when wrong is found in oneself it must be put away at once by taking God's way, since to remain in it even an instant leaves one unsafe, even while dealing with the defects and errors of others who seek to do God's will.Lt 55, 1891, par. 3–5 No one is to be so earnest to set others right and so zealous for brethren that the own soul is neglected, since another's wrong does not make one's own case right and each has an individual work that must not be neglected.Lt 11, 1880, par. 4–5

Its scope covers the whole inner and outer life: temper, disposition, inclinations, thoughts, attitudes, spirit, motives, purposes, feelings, words, actions, habits, daily conduct and work.Lt 11, 1880, par. 4–5+4 The review is to be critical, testing all these against the Bible's standard, God's law and Scripture, to understand the spiritual condition and to see whether the life represents Christ's character.ST Jan 4, 1916+2 The fruits of the life show whether one is in the faith or testify against one, including whether one's work can withstand the Master's inspection, supporting continued growth toward the full stature of Christian character with increasing purity and readiness for trials and responsibilities.ST Jan 4, 1916 Gospel holiness and visible righteousness should show that the truth and the Spirit of Christ abide within.19MR 58.2–59.1

Its purpose is to gain honest knowledge of one's condition before God, to reveal dangers, sin, faults and deficiencies, and to lead to humble repentance, confession, correction and improvement.Lt 102, 1886, par. 9–10+3 The examination must be careful, thorough and impartial, made in the light of Christ's cross as revealed in God's Word, opening the heart to the light and praying for God to expose defects so that sin does not deceive, since the heart is deceitful and self-love makes one think better of self than deserved.19MR 58.2–59.1+1 When a defect is found, grace is to be sought to remove what is wrong and supply what is lacking, strengthening qualities that are pure, lovely and of good report, so that one can ask intelligently for what is needed.Ms 51, 1901, par. 1+1 It includes identifying where one has failed to follow God's appointed way and failed to purify the soul by heeding His counsels, holding firm to His past leadings and continuing faithfully to the end.Ms 240, 1902, par. 5–6+2 God's people are to repent and be converted so that sins may be blotted out when times of refreshing come from the Lord's presence.8T 103.1+1

The call requires close examination of whether one is in the faith and in the love of God.5T 529.2 Those who have received great light and many privileges must awaken spiritually, otherwise they face ruin with greater accountability than Chorazin and Bethsaida, since even Tyre and Sidon would have repented if they had seen the mighty works done in those cities.5T 529.2

The decisive test of being in the faith is whether Jesus Christ dwells within the person, and to be without His indwelling presence is to be reprobate.EW 21.6+4 The examination is of one's own faith rather than a criticism of others and their failures, seeking through God's Word an honest knowledge of one's condition before God by individual study of the Bible under Christ's presence and influence.EW 21.6+2 It is a personal responsibility to be done critically, proving whether one lives in Christ's love with a life shaped by His character rather than by self-interest.Lt 2, 1898, par. 1–4+1 Those who share His spirit and divine nature need not remain doubtful or become critical of others.Lt 257, 1899, par. 5 The test is bound up with doing what is honest and good, for nothing can be done against the truth but only for it, and not merely appearing approved.Ms 113, 1899, par. 1–3+1 Its urgency is heightened because a final crisis and reckoning approach when each one's standing will be revealed as either among God's children or among the disobedient, unthankful and unholy.Lt 102, 1886, par. 9–10

Having Christ within means new birth and a new life derived from His own life, as a branch derives life from the parent stock and as a branch of the living Vine draws strength, nourishment, motive power and the very texture of character from Him in whom belief is placed.Ms 13, 1892, par. 19–20+1 This inward connection and lived experience of knowing God must be evident in words, spirit and conduct, so that faith is rightly represented and others can be taught and led; if Christ is not within, He cannot be shown in life and character and the path is to ruin.TBC1872 54.1+1 Stubbornness bars the entrance of the Spirit of God and shuts Christ out.Ms 13, 1892, par. 19–20 The test plainly marks position, endowment, accountability and duty as blood-bought souls to glorify God in body and spirit.Lt 60, 1894, par. 22–23 Especially in review of the week past before the Sabbath, there must be close search whether nourishment has been drawn from Christ to bear much fruit to the glory of God, with constant guarding of the soul lest there be great profession without precious fruit.Ms 62, 1896, par. 41–44 Feverish excitement, hasty words and revealed passion prove working on Satan's side and call for clearing the heart by confession and sincerely making everything right before the Sabbath, for Christ hungers to see and receive fruit, and leaves of profession without fruit are worthless to Him, like the flourishing fig tree spreading pretentious foliage with no fruit which He cursed.Ms 62, 1896, par. 41–44

When the sins God hates are subdued, Christ comes into fellowship and into the heart, and the person draws divine strength from Him, grows in Him, bears fruit in works and gains victory through Him.SG4 192.2+3 Professing the truth or relying on an old religious experience does not prove being in the faith without a present, daily experience and a heart near God.SG4 192.2+2 In the last days the power ruling the heart is shown by actions: divine truth produces good works, generosity and Christlike character, while evil control produces selfishness, covetousness, pride and evil passions.SG4 192.2+1 Christ's presence is shown by a living, active faith that bears fruit in works and shapes the life to reflect His character.Ms 145, 1906, par. 7–10 A profession without such nearness is a false hope and a stumbling block, and lukewarm professors who claim God's name while keeping their hearts far from Him hinder both faithful believers and unbelievers.SG4 192.2+1

It is the privilege of Christians to know of a truth by overcoming faith and entire trust that Christ is in them as a present, all-sufficient Saviour in whom all fullness dwells.ST Sep 2, 1897 When His followers are united and separated from idols and the world, He gives help from above so that enemies combining to destroy them cannot prevail and the world cannot separate them from God.ST Sep 2, 1897 He then proves a never-failing source of strength and a present help in every time of trouble, penetrating the darkest cloud to bring hope to the drooping soul, while absence of this faith brings perplexity and fear.ST Sep 2, 1897 To fail the test is to be rejected as reprobate and worthless at the final review, through self-sufficiency and lack of Christ, which leads to perdition.Ms 11, 1896, par. 7–9+1 This proving of self tests profession by practice, especially obedience to God's commandments, since many profess to keep them while breaking them, and one whose character has not reached God's standard must seek the Lord.Ms 11, 1896, par. 7–9+1

The standard for the examination is God's Word and His holy law, which serve as a mirror, a lighted candle, and the infallible measure of life, character, motives, and principles.Lt 257, 1899, par. 5+4 The heart is to be searched in the light of that Word under Christ's presence and influence, with the life compared to Scripture to see whether it represents Christ's character and whether Jesus Christ is within.Lt 257, 1899, par. 5+4 The inquiry reaches thoughts and feelings, temper, purposes, words, deeds, habits, and daily conduct, asking whether one is an example of Christian holiness and truly in the faith.Lt 11, 1880, par. 4–5+4 It is both a safeguard and a duty to test by that Word rather than by personal choice or inclination, holding firm to God's past leadings and continuing faithfully to the end.Lt 257, 1899, par. 5+2 Such testing should reveal dangers, faults, deficiencies, and sin, leading to humble repentance and confession, to desire for correction and improvement, and to allowing God to correct defects of character, without which the kingdom of God will not be seen.Ms 240, 1902, par. 5–6+2

The test is works and fruit showing the character of the tree, not feelings, emotions, happiness, depression, human praise, profession, outward command-keeping, formal prayers, an old experience, or loud claims to be holy and sinless.Lt 65, 1903, par. 1–3+4 Encouraging or discouraging feelings must not be made the measure of spiritual condition, for being happy and joyous does not prove acceptance by God, and feeling depressed does not prove God has forsaken.ST Feb 6, 1901+2 True standing before God is determined by God's Word, with the life and character measured against His holy law as the only standard of character.ST Feb 6, 1901+2 Self-confident claims to be sanctified, holy, and sinless are Pharisaical and without foundation, while a humble sense of utter unworthiness that scarcely dares lift the eyes to heaven, like the publican who prayed for mercy as a sinner, is nearer to God and goes home justified.ST Feb 6, 1901+1 Professing the truth, relying on an old experience, or resting on another person's judgment or experience does not prove faith, since in the last days the power ruling the heart is shown by actions, with divine truth producing good works, generosity, and Christlike character, and evil control producing selfishness, covetousness, pride, and evil passions.SG4 192.2+1 Genuine faith requires heart-work, self-denial, effort, and moral courage to live it out, seen in the elevated character of a true follower of Christ.Lt 65, 1903, par. 1–3+1

It must be made carefully, thoroughly, impartially, diligently, and humbly as a little child, opening the heart that light may shine upon its darkness to see and understand motives.Lt 11, 1880, par. 4–5+4 The life is to be compared with Scripture in the light of Jesus Christ and of His cross, praying for God to expose defects so sin does not deceive, and bringing will and spirit under the Holy Spirit's control.Lt 18b, 1891, par. 40–43+3 When a defect is found, grace is to be sought to remove what is wrong and supply what is lacking, strengthening what is pure, lovely, and of good report, with hope that something better will replace objectionable features, failures, and blots.19MR 58.2–59.1+1 The searching must uncover secret sin, iniquity, and unsurrendered idols beneath outward religious appearance, resisting Satan's deception and refusing careless, vain religion or religious duties performed merely to quiet the conscience.Lt 18b, 1891, par. 40–43+2 It belongs to young and old, especially youth, requires deep experience rather than mere surface work, and brings the light of God's Word into the heart to search it as with a lighted candle, forming manliness and firmness of Christian character for doing one's best and blessing others instead of misleading them by cheap profession.Lt 22, 1889, par. 14–18+2

Such searching is necessary because self-love prompts a better opinion of self than is true, correct, or safe, and the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked.Lt 11, 1880, par. 4–5+4 Without it a person becomes careless, fails to see great need, overestimates ability and power, and misses deficiencies that divine truth would reveal, while honest insight lays human wisdom in the dust, exalts the wisdom of God, breaks the hardened heart, and exposes bitterness, hatred, selfishness, and unchristian feelings even toward family.Lt 22a, 1889, par. 11–12+2 Deep insight into the heart reveals great needs, above all the constant need of the compassion and infinite mercy of the divine Redeemer, and honest self-judgment as a sinner leads to the cross for softening, melting, and cleansing by Christ's grace and blood.Lt 22a, 1889, par. 11–12+2 People can deceive themselves and be found wanting, so each must examine the own heart to know the true spiritual state.13MR 86.1–87.2+1 Genuine faith so found lays hold of unseen realities, is grounded in God's Word, and is revealed in unselfish actions, kindly words, and whole-hearted service through the indwelling Spirit.Lt 65, 1903, par. 1–3+1 A taught and accepted theory of truth does not save and partial confessions do not avail unless divine power is revealed in daily life, with believers kindly affectioned in brotherly love and preferring one another, mortifying deeds of the body through the Spirit, quickened by the Spirit of Him that raised Jesus, and led by the Spirit as sons of God.Lt 65, 1903, par. 1–3+1

The command is to examine and test oneself whether in the faith, not to examine one's brother, criticize others and dwell on their failures.Lt 102, 1886, par. 9–10+4 It calls for earnest attention to one's own salvation by inquiring into thoughts and feelings, tempers, purposes, words and deeds, and asking whether one is an example of Christian holiness and whether Jesus Christ is within, for without Him a person is reprobate.Lt 102, 1886, par. 9–10+3 The heart must be searched diligently in the light of God's Word to gain honest knowledge of one's condition before God, because self-love gives a better opinion of self than is true and safety requires constant warfare against one's own corruptions.Lt 102, 1886, par. 9–10+1 No one is to be so earnest to set others right and so zealous for brethren as to neglect the individual work of his own soul, since another's wrong does not make one's own case right.Lt 11, 1880, par. 4–5 Accusing, condemning, dissecting and criticizing another is forbidden because it is the work of Satan as accuser of the brethren, bringing strife and alienation with no safety or relief, while self-examination turned toward Christ's example and teaching looks to Him and grows into His likeness through the Holy Spirit.DA 314.1+1 Its urgency is heightened by the coming final crisis when each standing will be revealed as either among God's children or among the disobedient, unthankful and unholy.Lt 102, 1886, par. 9–10

No one is to set himself as judge on the judgment seat over others, taking them under inspection as a sin-bearer to find spots and stains and dissect their characters.Lt 34, 1894, par. 23–26+1 When tempted to complain and fret over supposed defects in others, inspection is to be turned inward to prove one's own self whether in the faith and whether Christ is in him.Lt 34, 1894, par. 23–26+1 Tares grow among the wheat and no violent hand is to root them up, people cannot read hearts, and judgment belongs to God who cannot err.Lt 34, 1894, par. 23–26+1 Reproofs and warnings addressed to others must therefore be applied personally rather than treated as irrelevant, asking whether the same faults and dangers are present in oneself and acting on the counsel as if addressed to oneself.2T 686.3–687.1+2 Each worker is to bring his own case before the Lord, recognize personal weakness, and stay alert to defects of character that may otherwise go unnoticed and leave him open to Satan's attacks.Lt 32a, 1908, par. 15 Not being named is no reason to assume exemption or rightness, for a reproof to someone else may reveal the same sin; errors must be recognized and forsaken rather than covered up, since covering them keeps one from prospering with God.Ms 113, 1906, par. 5–6

No one should rely on another's judgment, opinion or experience to know the state of the heart, but must scrutinize himself before God, for no one else can read it.ST Feb 19, 1880+3 The hope of eternal life must not be taken up on slight grounds or assumed from profession alone, but settled between God and the soul by close, thorough and honest examination of the heart and the grounds of hope.ST Feb 19, 1880+2 A person may for months and years imagine himself accepted while lacking the Spirit's witness, evidence of acceptance, and the essential qualifications of a Christian, which is self-deception that will not save.ST Feb 19, 1880+2 Genuine hope is accompanied by the Spirit's witness, true conversion through the sanctifying influence of truth, heart-work, self-denial, dying to pride, coming out from the world and being separate, with sobriety, watchfulness and prayer while words and acts pass in review before God and angels watch character development.ST Feb 19, 1880+3 This inner work requires effort and moral courage to follow Christ at any sacrifice, and it is seen in an elevated, noble character, manners and deportment marking a true follower.ST Feb 19, 1880+2 Such self-examination and prayer guard against deceiving oneself or being deceived by others.Lt 65, 1903, par. 6–7

Instead of framing a course of private judgment away from the work, sowing doubt and unbelief, shaking the faith of others, and refusing reproof, ministers and workers must test their own course, spirit and motives.Lt 17, 1887, par. 14–15+2 The test asks whether their course brings others nearer to God, makes them stronger in truth, and increases devotion and piety, and whether past experience and fruit made those engaged purer, better and holier.Lt 17, 1887, par. 14–15 It asks whether they brought to the foundation gold, silver and precious stones to stand the fires of the last days, whether they served Jehovah or Baal, whether they elevated the standard or brought it down to a common level, and whether their work will stand approved in judgment.Lt 17, 1887, par. 14–15 To be not reprobate is to do no evil and do what is honest, to live with Christ by the power of God, to work with the Spirit of Christ in harmony with brethren, and to do nothing against the truth but for the truth and triumph with it.Lt 17, 1887, par. 14–15 The same examination applies to opposition to medical missionary work and to measuring those in sacred trusts: instead of measuring or condemning, as with Dr. Kellogg, each person must correct his own course and bring his life into line with the Lord.Lt 29, 1902, par. 8 Those dealing with the duties and destinies of human life must reach a much higher standard by studying the lessons of Christ, recognizing the work is the Lord's and He must preside, coming with contrite hearts, humbling self at every step, and asking what He wants done in the missionary field.Ms 20, 1891, par. 21–22+1 Examination exposes what manner of spirit is cherished and what mold is given to the work, requiring criticism, loss of temper and harsh words to be laid aside and self-control practiced so influence does not injure others, leading to individual sanctification.Ms 20, 1891, par. 21–22

Faithful self-examination is the plain duty by which God's people become one as Christ is one with the Father.Ms 6, 1892, par. 12–14 Done diligently by the lighted candle of God's Word to see whether one is in the faith and in the love of the truth, it tests every impulse, sentiment and indulged feeling in the light of God's holy law, opens the heart to conviction whether its principles are kept, and brings will and spirit under the control of the Holy Spirit.Lt 20a, 1888, par. 16+1 Fixing the mind on Jesus, who made a complete sacrifice for every person, leads one to recognize the need to become complete and to seek help from above to overcome personal failings rather than focusing on judging fellow believers.Ms 149, 1901, par. 4–5 Done in the spirit of Christ's love for one another, it lifts above cheap and unconsecrated feelings such as envy, jealousy and prejudice, so that every victory gained by brethren is rejoiced in as gladly as if gained by oneself.Ms 6, 1892, par. 12–14+2

Being in the faith means practicing what is believed, obeying God's commandments, doing what is honest and good, and doing nothing against the truth but only for it.GW92 429.2+4 The test is not merely claiming belief in every point of truth or appearing approved, but standing for the truth, growing to perfection, living with Christ by the power of God, and working with the Spirit of Christ in harmony with brethren.Lt 17, 1887, par. 14–15+2 Many profess to keep the commandments while breaking them, so profession must be tested by practice, and this proving of self guards against the self-sufficiency that leads to perdition.Lt 17, 1887, par. 14–15+1 Ministers especially must test whether their course brings others nearer to God, makes them stronger in truth, increases devotion and piety, and whether their past work made men and women purer, better and holier, bringing gold, silver and precious stones to stand the fires of the last days and the judgment.Lt 17, 1887, par. 14–15+1

Life and character must agree with God's standard of righteousness, for fruits show whether a person is in the faith or testify against them, and work must be able to withstand the Master's inspection.ST Jan 4, 1916+2 A taught and accepted theory of truth does not save, nor do partial confessions avail or an old experience prove conversion, unless divine power is revealed in unselfish actions, kindly words and whole-hearted service to God.ST Mar 11, 1897+2 Divine truth produces good works, generosity and Christlike character, while evil control produces selfishness, covetousness, pride and evil passions, and a living active faith bears fruit in works and shapes life to reflect Christ's character.ST Mar 11, 1897+2 A flourishing profession with leaves but no fruit is vain religion, like the flourishing fig tree spreading pretentious foliage with no fruit which Christ cursed, for Christ hungers to see and receive fruit and leaves of profession without fruit are worthless to Him.SG4 192.2+2 Whatever profession, advantages, privileges and light God has given, one must live up to them and practice the light, drawing nourishment as a branch of the living Vine to bear much fruit to God's glory, with greater light bringing greater obligation and continued growth toward full stature, purity and readiness for trials and responsibilities.ST Jan 4, 1916+2

True religion must be brought into the inner sanctuary of the soul and not kept in the outer court of outward appearance and profession, for to be Christian is to be Christlike.Lt 20, 1892, par. 14–16+2 It softens and subdues words and spirit, brings even thoughts into captivity to Jesus Christ, forms the character and sanctifies the soul, shaping conduct, words, thoughts and temper.Lt 20, 1892, par. 14–16+2 A profession that leaves selfishness, pride, self-will and lack of self-control unchanged does not form or sanctify the character, and Christ is not truly living in that person.Lt 20, 1892, par. 14–16+2 The heart must be tested whether it is sound and renewed in Christ or still carnal beneath outward appearance, opening the heart that light may shine upon its darkness to see motives, comparing thoughts, spirit, purposes, words and actions with Scripture to see whether they represent Christ's character.Lt 18b, 1891, par. 40–43+2 Such self-proving in the light of Jesus Christ exposes bitterness, hatred, selfishness, secret sin, iniquity and unsurrendered idols, breaks the hardened heart, lets Christ's grace soften and melt it, and requires earnest prayer to resist Satan's deception rather than performing religious duties merely to quiet the conscience.Lt 18b, 1891, par. 40–43+3

Those in the faith are at peace with God and one another, sincerely forgive others, are kindly affectioned with brotherly love and in honor prefer one another.GW92 429.2+2 Bitterness, envy, jealousy, suspicion, misjudgment, rivalry, strife, confusion, falsehood, uncontrolled passions, evil surmising, and the desire for favor, honor or supremacy and love of praise and flattery must not characterize Christians.GW92 429.2+2 Selfishness is the root of all evil, making men bold, hardhearted and inconsistent, and those who fail develop a spirit that can never find standing place in heaven nor be numbered with the family above.Lt 20, 1892, par. 14–16+1 Done in the spirit of love for one another that Christ has shown, self-examination lifts above cheap and unconsecrated feelings such as envy, jealousy and prejudice, so that every victory gained by brethren is rejoiced in as gladly as if gained by oneself.Lt 20a, 1888, par. 16+1 The soul temple must be cleansed of all evil occupants and the whole heart entered and purified by the searching Spirit, for Jesus will not abide where pride exists, but if the door is open He will come in, expel every unholy thought, hold sweet communion by faith, and let His light shine forth in good works.Lt 20a, 1888, par. 16+1

Claiming to belong to Christ while despising people because of color or holding prejudice contradicts the faith, for God makes no distinction between North and South and no prejudice or human prudence excuses contempt for others.DCPP 7.1–9.1+2 Having Christ within means putting on Christ so His Spirit dwells inside, and without this a person remains a slave of sin and of Satan.DCPP 7.1–9.1+3 Many who claim to be children of God fail the test and show by passions, prejudices, evil spirit and unlovely traits that they are children of the wicked one.Ms 6, 1891, par. 16+2 The transformed soul that passes the test shares Christ's spirit, does not despise anyone He purchased with His blood, and does not slight Jesus or misrepresent Him.DCPP 7.1–9.1+3

Those who preach sacred truths and teach others must be sanctified by them, pure in heart and holy in life, with lives and characters showing that Christ's principles have shaped them.2T 552.1+2 Otherwise their own deficient experience and counsel can lead others away from God, and converts they gain may be brought only to the level of their own low standard and seldom rise higher, revealing that they have not learned the first principles of divine truth.2T 552.1+2 Every worker, especially those handling sacred things, must test qualifications by the Word, recognize deficiencies and true position before God, ask whether there is clear understanding and right perception of eternal things, and whether he yields to the Holy Spirit or is controlled by hereditary and cultivated tendencies.TSSW 95.1–2+2 That examination includes conduct and judgment, requiring dignity, propriety, respect for others' privacy and remaining within proper duties, so behavior does not damage influence or hinder spiritual work, and it is to be done thoroughly in order to gain eternal life.2T 552.1+2

The test reaches the common concerns and details of life, business life, conversation, manners, habits, temper under irritation, and home life, requiring kindness, courtesy, love and self-control.Lt 272, 1903, par. 18+2 It includes strict care of body and mind and watchfulness over the heart lest unchristlike traits and wrong tendencies control the life, using mind and life for God's work rather than loving pleasure more than God and spending life in amusement with neglect of Scripture and work for Christ.Lt 272, 1903, par. 18+2 When right words and deeds are absent from home life wrong ones take their place, departures from righteousness work against Jesus, and a family whose members act against God faces the woe pronounced against Chorazin and Bethsaida.Lt 272, 1903, par. 18+1 It requires thinking less of appearance before mortal man and more of appearance before a heart-searching God, cultivating kindness, courtesy and love in the home circle, laying aside a narrow penurious spirit, loving the poorest, weakest and humblest as Christ's precious property, acting like Jesus, closely investigating motives, removing selfishness from service to God, seeking daily conversion and insight into faults, and confessing one's own mistakes rather than neighbors' sins.Lt 40, 1879, par. 22–24+3

The call to examine whether one is in the faith is urgent because probation is still open and life is lived in the presence of God and heavenly angels, where thoughts and actions are forming character after the pattern of Christ or of Satan.Lt 102, 1886, par. 9–10+1 A final crisis is coming when standing will be revealed as either among God's children or among the disobedient, unthankful and unholy, and a final reckoning is near when lives will be weighed in the sanctuary and found either wanting or faithful.Lt 102, 1886, par. 9–10+2 That weighing tests whether belief in God's word about coming events has been weakened into unbelief and whether obedience to human beings has become rebellion against God.Lt 263, 1904, par. 21+1 Because Christ is about to close His work of mediation, self-examination should lead to humbling before God, trusting His word and work, and laboring earnestly for the salvation of others rather than giving way to doubt, unbelief and division.ST Sep 27, 1883+1

Honest examination finds where the soul has failed to follow God's appointed way and to purify itself by heeding His counsels.8T 103.1+2 It is done by searching the Word carefully and by reviewing the experience of God's ancient people in contrast with mere profession.RH Sep 25, 1900 Sincere seekers pray for revival and mercy, confess sins to God and to one another, show genuine contrition wrought by the grace of Christ, receive forgiveness, and bring forth reformation and steadfast obedience to the covenant.RH Sep 25, 1900 Even objectionable speech reveals that Christ is not abiding in the heart and that conversion and grace are needed.Lt 198, 1901, par. 7–9 All are to repent and be converted so that sins may be blotted out when times of refreshing come from the Lord's presence.RH Sep 25, 1900+4

All who deny self, take up the cross daily and follow Christ in close connection with Him will be tested and tried and will pass through temptation, darkness and trial.Lt 28, 1896, par. 19–20 Those experiences bring serious self-checking with close study of God's Word to see if one remains in belief, give a higher perception of what Christ is to the soul and what the soul can be to Christ as partner in His work, and join the believer to His sufferings and glory.Lt 28, 1896, par. 19–20 Close connection is necessary because coming trials will weaken already weak faith and leave one the sport of Satan's temptations unless united to Christ, while drawing close to Jesus in trial brings Him nigh so Satan gains no victory and the proved believer commits the keeping of the soul to God as unto a faithful Creator.Ms 4, 1885, par. 4 In view of the Lord's coming this watchfulness includes discerning spiritual things and recognizing Satan's attempts to entrap the soul, refusing to be ruled by passion and choosing to be controlled by God's Spirit, with jealous watchfulness over self instead of watching and faulting a brother.RH Feb 20, 1913+1 Such honest, unbiased self-scrutiny also exposes specific spiritual dangers such as careless conduct that puts the soul at risk.Lt 129, 1901, par. 1–2

The same test guards ministers and teachers against pleasing speculation and false theories about God's nature, character and personality.8MR 425.1+2 Accepting spiritualistic teachings such as those in Living Temple leads away from Bible truth, weakens and unsettles faith, and removes the foundation on which one can stand.Lt 232, 1903, par. 57 Diligent self-searching puts away errors handed down from heathen and papal sources when warning messages bring people to a point of decision.SG1 155.2

The Sabbath is a fitting day for close examination of spiritual condition before God and for testing every point of faith by Scripture, including meditation and review of the week past.Lt 8, 1898, par. 12–13+2 Camp-meetings and seasons of gathered worship are to be used for examining the heart, humbling the soul, confessing sins, and renewing vows to God.RH Jul 19, 1870+1 The test is whether, as a branch of the living Vine, one has drawn nourishment from Christ to bear much fruit to God's glory.Ms 62, 1896, par. 41–44 Feverish excitement, hasty words and revealed passion prove working on Satan's side and call for clearing the heart by confession and sincerely making everything right before the Sabbath, lest there be great profession without precious fruit like the flourishing fig tree with pretentious foliage and no fruit, whose leaves of profession Christ hungers in vain to see replaced by fruit.Ms 62, 1896, par. 41–44

Examination is to be daily and critical, reviewing thoughts, attitudes, purposes, words, actions and work against the Bible's standard, for the fruits of life show whether one is in the faith or testify against him, including whether work can withstand the Master's inspection.ST Jan 4, 1916+1 Each day's experiences are to be studied like reading proof sheets, finding errors and marking them to be corrected, noting faults one by one so they may be known, corrected and avoided, reforming every unchristlike action, seeking the Spirit of Christ, and letting melting mercy fall on hearts cold as iron wedges by nature until they bear the divine image.Lt 31, 1888, par. 29–31 By constant prayer the follower arms himself for conflict, gains self-knowledge showing the points of character where defeat by temptation is easiest, and by watchfulness, prayer and resistance turns weak points into strong points.RH Jul 30, 1901 Motives behind actions must be closely investigated and selfishness removed from service to God, with grace sought continually so Christian love remains warm and pure, grows more and more, and bears fruits of righteousness through Jesus Christ to God's glory and praise.5T 103.4+1 The mind kept clear and rightly directed by this testing leads to truth, spiritual strength and perfection rather than distortion, to increasing purity and full stature of Christian character, and to readiness for greater trials and responsibilities, while neglect is positively dangerous, especially for ministers who after preaching to others may themselves become castaways and by unsanctified example keep converts no higher than their own low standard.ST Jan 4, 1916+2

Faithfully applied, the test decides practical duties. It requires living out profession, humbling the soul before God, and doing unselfish personal work for souls where they are, especially at holy convocation, because without Christ within nothing can be done to save one's own soul or interest others.Lt 25, 1884, par. 5 It asks where are the sheaves required to be brought to Jesus in turning souls from sin to righteousness, whether one copies the Pattern or by word and action leads others away to self-deception, how long before truth impresses the heart and transforms character, and whether with great blessing in unfolding truth one is rendering account to God for letting heavenly light shine, walking in His footsteps and cooperating with Christ or walking and working away from Him when every case is decided for life or death and all are rewarded as their works have been.Ms 11, 1892, par. 13–14 It makes fair wages and concern for a worker's ability to obtain proper clothing and pay tithe real tests of character in the light of God's law.Ms 128, 1905, par. 20 It decides whether to build simply rather than lavishly as one who truly believes God's judgments are near and the end is at hand.STB 475.5–476.1 It requires entering council with scrutinized motives and laboring earnestly for others in the time of closing mediation.ST Sep 27, 1883+1

Those in responsible positions, dealing with the duties and destinies of human life, must examine their hearts by the light of God's Word and see themselves as Christ sees them, revealing what kind of people they are and how unable they are to do Christ's work as guide and judge in their own wisdom.Lt 278, 1907, par. 9+1 The examination is made by studying the lessons of Christ and by testing in all circumstances whether one is in the love of God and walking in the light given through His Word, safe only by His grace, for without Christ within one is reprobate.Lt 5b, 1891, par. 1+1 It is a word of warning to take heed, hold loyalty and let no temptation cause swerving, especially for one in sacred trust.Lt 5b, 1891, par. 1 Work and plans that foster pride or misrepresent God's character show need for this reflection on conduct and whether the soul is right with God, for God takes no pleasure in such ways and they expose the person to Satan's temptations.Lt 55, 1903, par. 4–5

Ministers need unhurried time to examine whether they are in the faith, not crowded out by being overburdened with church difficulties and business so they are too hurried for self-examination.Ms 127, 1902, par. 14–15 Prayer and work belonged together in Christ's ministry, and ministers must seek the Holy Spirit so they can present truth rightly.Ms 127, 1902, par. 14–15