3:32 Corinthians 3:3

Believers themselves are Christ's letter, produced through faithful ministry as the Spirit impresses his life upon them with lasting effect.RH Apr 15, 1902+2 The writing is done not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God giving life and power to hard hearts made alive in Christ.Lt 52, 1908, par. 9–12+2 It is inscribed not on stone but on the heart itself, the same law once engraved on stone now written within under better promises of forgiveness and renewing grace.Lt 52, 1908, par. 9–12+2 That inward writing means Christ formed within, so self is hidden and his humility, purity, love and obedience shine out in character and daily conduct.RH Apr 15, 1902+2 Because this letter is known and read by all, a holy unselfish life becomes unanswerable evidence that reveals God to those who may never open Scripture and persuades where words alone fail.Lt 52, 1908, par. 9–12+2

Believers won from idol worship to gospel faith are manifestly declared to be Christ's letter produced through faithful ministry, with their reception of truth and reformation of life testifying openly to all nations, tongues, and peoples.RH Apr 15, 1902+2 Ministers thus write Christ's message in people not with ink but through the Spirit of the living God, and the influence of their teaching and treatment leaves a lasting impression on the soul like writing on tablets, which calls them to recognize their responsibility before God.RH Apr 15, 1902+2 Those so formed are known and read of all men as the fruit and commendation of sincere evangelistic work done in God's sight in Christ, with all sufficiency from God, so true workers need no written letters of commendation.Lt 52, 1908, par. 9–12+2 Their conversion and sanctification through the truth is the minister's sufficient recommendation and strongest proof that God called him, giving authority to counsel, reprove, exhort, and command, and needing no other recommendation.RH Apr 15, 1902+1 The evidence is written by the Spirit on the hearts of the converted and witnessed by reformed lives in which Christ is formed within as the hope of glory, making them zealous for the truth received and bringing conduct into harmony with it as it unfolds.RH Apr 15, 1902+1

The writing is not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, who changes followers into Christ's likeness and gives them spiritual life.Lt 52, 1908, par. 9–12+2 That same Spirit gives power to words and renews hard, sinful hearts, making them alive in Christ, and must enter the messenger so truth can be presented effectively for the church to use its abilities in sharing it.RH Dec 3, 1908+1 The writing is not on tables of stone but on the fleshy tables of the heart, picturing the heart itself as the surface on which God writes.Lt 52, 1908, par. 9–12+1 The Spirit's sword cuts through those fleshy tables to bring conviction to conscience and pierce the depths of the soul, so truth must cut deep and not merely be assented to in general terms.Ms 153, 1898, par. 8–10+2 Smooth words cannot do this writing when direct correction is needed, but explicit, close reproof is required to expose sin and lead to repentance and confession, while resisting that close reproof by doubt, caviling, playing upon words, turning aside, ridiculing, misrepresenting, and quibbling starves souls for food.12MR 12.3–13.1+1

The letter is known and read of all men, meaning the eyes of the world are upon believers to see their fruit and their influence upon others and whom they have gathered to the fold of Christ.Lt 52, 1908, par. 9–12+2 Their lives make God's work and glory visible and make faith visible, with fruit as evidence of discipleship and a badge before the world that they belong to God, and conduct should show the Spirit's work and Christ's character.Ms 130, 1901, par. 27–29+2 To be such an epistle is to follow the example of Jesus in self-denial, in meekness, in humility, in forbearance, in cross-bearing, and in devotion, so that the world is compelled to acknowledge them as servants of Christ.ST Jan 4, 1883 It requires examination of the workings of the heart and of the past and future record of life in view of standing before the Judge of all the earth who will determine cases by the unerring standard of His perfect law.ST Jan 4, 1883 This does not make believers the property of the one under whose labors they received light, for ministers are only helpers by whom others believed, so converts must not tie themselves to a favorite teacher, draw apart over misconceived opinions, or tie up in separate bundles, but must live in harmony as God's husbandry and God's building.Ms 130, 1901, par. 27–29

Jesus himself came to this world as a living epistle of the law, living the law of God's government and expressing God's character.Ms 40, 1897, par. 27–29 Nailing Him to the cross was a reckoning for rejecting that living epistle, and those who now reject God's law crucify the Son of God afresh and identify themselves with those who crucified Him at Calvary.Ms 40, 1897, par. 27–29 When brought to trial before the great white throne they will answer for rejecting Jesus Christ as God's messenger.Ms 40, 1897, par. 27–29

At Corinth those who were led from idol worship to gospel faith became manifestly Christ's letter produced through ministerial labor, written by God's Spirit on the heart rather than with ink or on stone.RH Apr 15, 1902+1 Their reception of the truth and the reformation seen in their lives testified to all nations, tongues, and peoples, with Christ formed within as the hope of glory making them zealous for the truth received and bringing their lives into harmony with it.RH Apr 15, 1902+1 Such transformation and renewed life testified to the faithfulness of the ministry that had labored among them.

That conversion of sinners and their sanctification through the truth is the minister's sufficient recommendation and very best proof that God called him, so that no other recommendation is needed.RH Apr 15, 1902+1 True workers need no written letters of commendation, because those won by faithful ministry are openly shown to be Christ's epistle ministered by His workers, known and read of all men.Lt 52, 1908, par. 9–12+2 The writing is done not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tables of stone but in the fleshy tables of the heart, as the fruit and commendation of sincere evangelistic work done in God's sight in Christ, with all sufficiency from God.Lt 52, 1908, par. 9–12+2 This evidence, written on the hearts of the converted and witnessed by their reformed lives, gives authority to counsel, reprove, exhort, and command.RH Apr 15, 1902 The righteousness of Christ thus displayed in them is perfect obedience to the law of God.Ms 63, 1900, par. 16

Part of the background was trouble and dissension from Judaizing teachers who continually presented the virtues of the law and the ceremonies and exalted them above the gospel of Christ.10MR 328.1 They brought the apostle under condemnation because he did not urge upon the people the ceremonies that typified Christ and were therefore of no value since Christ's death.10MR 328.1

Those who receive the truth do not become the property of the one man under whose labors they received light, for ministers are only helpers by whom others believed, and they are one.Ms 130, 1901, par. 27–29+1 Converts must not consider themselves independent atoms, tie themselves to one favorite teacher, attach themselves to the man who brought them light and truth, draw apart from brethren over misconceived opinions, or tie up in separate bundles.Ms 130, 1901, par. 27–29+1 They must instead be in harmony with their brethren as God's husbandry and God's building, for true conversion sanctifies through the truth into love and harmonious action with brethren.Ms 130, 1901, par. 27–29+1 Those who refuse harmony with brethren are not sanctified, need reconversion at once, and make their claimed conversion a stumbling block to sinners.16MR 197.1–2 This gives no excuse for commending self or demanding letters of commendation.Ms 130, 1901, par. 27–29

A minister's usefulness is measured by these results, and such seals of his ministry greatly strengthen him.RH Apr 15, 1902+1 Believers who profess the truth and adorn it in their lives by following the Lord's example recommend both the truth and the minister who presented it.RH Apr 15, 1902+2 Ministers today should have the same witness the Corinthian church bore to the apostle's ministry, with changed hearts and lives as their recommendation and with the fruit of their work evident in those they lead to Christ.RH Apr 15, 1902+2 A minister's character and conduct can likewise serve as a living letter of the truth he teaches, making that truth visible in his life, and the Lord sets His seal on such work.RH Mar 11, 1902

Preaching the word engraves the life of Christ on men's hearts in a way hostile priests and bishops cannot efface.9MR 244.1 That engraving outlasts the life of the preacher who made it and will afterward be shown forth still more brightly by mightier preachers to the great satisfaction of the people, to the most sincere joy of the first preacher when he arises from the dead to announce the gospel again.9MR 244.1 Preserved diaries and copies of letters reproduced and placed before the people in testimony form are likewise a living letter to all in regard to faith, reviving past history to show one straight chain of truth without one heretical sentence.Lt 329a, 1905, par. 3

The same law once engraved on stone is under the new covenant written by the Holy Spirit on the heart.HSP 17.3–4+3 That covenant is established upon better promises, forgiveness of sins and grace to renew the heart and bring it into harmony with the principles of God's law.RH Oct 17, 1907 This means ceasing to go about to establish personal righteousness and instead accepting the righteousness of Christ, whose blood atones for sin and whose obedience is accepted in place of human obedience.HSP 17.3–4+3 The heart thus renewed by the Holy Spirit brings forth the fruits of the Spirit and through the grace of Christ lives in obedience to the law of God written within, walking even as Christ walked in delight to do God's will and always doing those things that please the Father.HSP 17.3–4+3

The righteousness of Christ displayed in believers is perfect obedience to the law of God.Ms 63, 1900, par. 16 Justification by faith is thereby made visible in transformed character and the daily practice of God's word.Ms 63, 1900, par. 16+1 God's moral law was written on human hearts from creation, not only on stone tablets at Sinai.GC88 262.1–2+1 Sin has greatly defaced but not erased that inward witness while people retain a sense of good and evil, and its endurance supports its force for all people and every age.GC88 262.1–2+1

The law of God must be written on the heart by the Spirit of God or it will never be truly obeyed.Lt 5a, 1890, par. 10–11+1 The Ten Commandments written merely on tables of stone amid the clouds of Sinai could not guide the Hebrews.Lt 5a, 1890, par. 10–11+1 Truth merely assented to by the understanding, merely floating in the memory, or merely professed outwardly cannot profit, illumine, sanctify the soul temple, or give real obedience.Lt 5a, 1890, par. 10–11+2 It must be engraven on the soul by the Spirit of God, with mind filled with pure principles and memory with precious truths from God's Word, becoming inward principles that govern habits and life and shine out in conduct.Lt 5a, 1890, par. 10–11+3 God sees the heart and reads the purpose of the mind, so outward profession without inward heart service is worthless, while only the person whose whole heart, soul, strength, and mind are under discipline to God believes unto righteousness and becomes the salt of the earth with preservative influence.Lt 5a, 1890, par. 10–11+1

God requires His law to be written on the tablets of every soul in willing obedience from the heart.Lt 191, 1899, par. 6+2 That means honoring and obeying in the individual practical life the principles interwoven with every one of the ten commandments.Lt 191, 1899, par. 6+1 Such inward writing heals the church, creates a pure and holy sentiment, restores moral power and spiritual efficiency, and changes the spiritual atmosphere for the better.Lt 191, 1899, par. 6+1 Outward observance of the Sabbath alone will not save the soul.Lt 191, 1899, par. 6+2

The Spirit writes God's thoughts and law and eternal Word deeply on the fleshy tables of the heart, not with pen and ink and not on tables of stone.13MR 245.1+3 The divine Guide so prepares the heart for divine light.13MR 245.1+2 Minds yielded to that writing are illuminated to understand spiritual realities, including the character of Christ and the meaning of Scripture.Lt 131, 1899, par. 4–6+1 The living Word thus treasured and appropriated in the inner life receives quickening power and stands ready to guide speech and action.Lt 9, 1894, par. 8

The searching Spirit works within to cut away what is fleshly and change character into obedient children.Ms 12, 1893, par. 24–25 His sword cuts through the fleshy tables of the heart, bringing conviction to the conscience and piercing the depths of the soul.Ms 153, 1898, par. 8–10 Truth must cut deep there and not merely be assented to in general terms.12MR 12.3–13.1+1 Smooth words cannot do this writing when direct correction is needed, but explicit close reproof is required.12MR 12.3–13.1+1 That reproof must expose sin unto repentance and confession, and resistance appears in doubts, cavilings, playing upon words, turning aside from close reproof, treating it as idle fables, ridiculing and misrepresenting and quibbling, while souls starve for food.12MR 12.3–13.1+1

Those in whom God so writes look to God for themselves to know duty and trust Him for wisdom, instead of looking to other human agents to be told duty.13MR 245.1+2 The Spirit attends every humble worker, controlling the human agent through capacities and powers.Lt 131, 1899, par. 4–6 He throws light into the understanding, leaves a keen clear-cut testimony against sin, makes an impression on mind and character when truth is presented in simplicity from love, brings the will into subordination to the will of God, and brings truth before not understood home to the heart with living conviction until it becomes spiritual reality.Lt 131, 1899, par. 4–6 God's requirements are so written on the heart by the Lord Himself speaking to the soul, for appeals take effect only as He speaks.Ms 34, 1893, par. 52

Becoming this letter requires the Spirit to plant truth deep within through deep heart-searching that makes one solemn, earnest, true, and tender in spirit.Ms 5, 1906, par. 4 It requires reconversion and cleansing of the soul sanctuary from everything offensive to God.Lt 81, 1902, par. 17–18+1 Bitterness and malice, envy and jealousy, enmity and hatred, love of self and selfishness, pride and being puffed up, and evil surmising must be put away, because they grieve the Holy Spirit and put Christ to open shame.Lt 81, 1902, par. 17–18+2 Only living that implanted truth in daily life will convince perishing unbelievers that profession is real.Ms 5, 1906, par. 4 God writes by revelations of His Spirit on hearts of keen discernment and experience, so their hearts are moved, they proclaim the Word of life in a most convincing manner to large congregations, they speak words of eternal life as only those who have seen and handled the Word of life can speak, and they are not easily deceived.Ms 169, 1907, par. 7–8

The readable letter is Christ formed within as the hope of glory, with conversion and sanctification through received truth bringing reformed life into harmony with truth and into zeal for it.RH Apr 15, 1902+1 Self is hidden in Christ and hidden with Christ in God, so that self is out of sight while Christ appears and the life displays the faith in which believers are rooted and built up with retained spiritual vitality.RH May 8, 1913+3 Those who profess that Christ is soon coming are such readable letters only as faithful, obedient children who follow the light, reflect its rays, carry the burden to warn a lost world of hastening judgment, cleanse soul and body, refuse sloth and neglect, rouse with holy zeal in sympathy with heaven, and proclaim the third angel's message upon the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.RH May 8, 1913 Their reception of truth and reformation testifies to all nations, tongues, and peoples.RH Apr 15, 1902

True character is not shaped from without or put on but radiates from within, and holiness shines forth in the character with power when goodness, purity, meekness, lowliness, integrity, and equity dwell in the heart.GW92 243.1–244.2+1 What a person is has greater influence than what he says, so the quiet, consistent, godly life in conduct and influence in private and public is read by all men.GW92 243.1–244.2+2 Such a life is formed by God's Spirit in the heart rather than by outward marks, enabling cooperation with God, and the glory belongs not to the human instrument but to the great Worker who uses him.Lt 187, 1902, par. 7+1 The heart filled with the Saviour's love daily receives grace to impart, so the life reveals the redeeming power of the truth.Lt 187, 1902, par. 7

The letter displays Christ's humility, purity, meekness, forbearance, faithfulness, love, and self-sacrifice, with Christ to be seen in conduct and His love displayed in character so that example makes truth attractive and wins hearts.EDFCP 24.2+2 This appears in attitude, words, spirit, dress, and conduct, in chaste speech and dignified behavior showing inward grace and practical godliness, in patient forbearing words and faithful conduct, in industry and frugality, and in rejection of avarice, dishonesty, and careless behavior.Lt 30, 1878, par. 7+2 Religious acts that do not come from heartfelt piety are powerless for good, whereas religion expressed in good works gives a clear and trustworthy light, and harsh, censorious, or rash words and actions instead create prejudice and harm the cause.EDFCP 24.2+1 Christians are thus living letters not of a human leader or minister but of Christ, who gives them His light to make known to the world through good works and walking in His Word, with usefulness evidencing genuine conversion and perpetuating knowledge of truth like salt retaining its savor.EDFCP 24.2+2

Studying the life, words, and works of Jesus and copying His obedient example makes believers living human agents who represent the character of Jesus to the world just as Jesus came to represent the character of the Father.Ms 1, 1892, par. 14–17 The heart filled with His love daily receives grace to impart, so the life reveals redeeming power, and those who deny self and remain faithful even when relatives oppose display this witness by close imitation, with Christ supplying the grace and qualifications needed for His service.Lt 187, 1902, par. 7+1 Those who accept Christ have the privilege of reaching this high standard and becoming living epistles known and read of all men, as Joseph in Egypt and Daniel in Babylon did.ST Nov 7, 1895 Those who hear truth and claim to believe it yet are not sanctified through it fail of this and testify that truth has no sanctifying power, while those who become living epistles possess fragrance of character through Christ's merits, are recognized in heaven as laborers together with God, have saving influence as a savor of life unto life, receive His imputed righteousness in order to communicate His goodness, mercy, and love to fallen humanity, and give all credit to Christ who did it all when they enter into His joy.ST Nov 7, 1895

Professed believers whose lives bear pride, self-confidence, love of the world, self-boasting, fault-finding, censoriousness, bitterness, envy, clamor, evil speaking, and deportment unlike Christ are also an epistle known and read of all men, but a sad testimony to the ministerial labor that gave them their spiritual mold.RH Apr 15, 1902+1 Such spurious conversion has no connection with Christ, though only seldom does a faithful, sincere, thorough preacher of God's Word have converts whose lives do no honor to God.RH Apr 15, 1902+1 By contrast, believers who receive truth and adorn it by copying their Lord's example recommend both the truth and the faithful ministers who preached it, the minister's usefulness is measured by these changed hearts and lives, such seals greatly strengthen him, and ministers today should have the same witness Paul had at Corinth.RH Apr 15, 1902+1

Messengers of God are letters of Christ that all people see and read only when they live the truth, for their attitude and words opened before others, including revilers of truth, are the epistle opponents read.Lt 18, 1895, par. 14+1 If they speak and act with impatience, harshness, distrust of God, heated human passion, self-trust, exaggerated fears of the enemy's power, and strange fire, they display the wrong letter, dishonor God, and give enemies reason to claim their false reports are true.Lt 18, 1895, par. 14+1 Becoming a true letter requires learning personal weakness through providential experience, refusing to trust self for a moment, and making Christ the sufficiency.Lt 18, 1895, par. 14+1 The Holy Spirit's power accompanies words when the speaker's own life represents the sanctifying truth reflected in character.2MR 92.3

With Jesus dwelling within, followers reveal his goodness and love to people who may not know him through Scripture or his works, helping them understand and love and serve him.SC 115.1+2 A holy, unselfish life is unanswerable evidence for the truth that persuades where arguments and appeals are resisted and accomplishes more than preaching unsupported by a Christlike life.RH Apr 30, 1901+2 Christ's purity and simplicity revealed in followers testifies to genuine piety and to light received from God, with changed character making Christ known through sanctifying power that can lead people to him.RH Mar 2, 1911+2

This witness is made visible in ordinary duties at home, at work, and in church through faith, love, sacrifice, humble devoted selfless conduct, and small acts that form character and influence.RH Apr 30, 1901+2 The gospel's power is demonstrated not only by what is preached but by practical godliness, with the Spirit of Christ visible in everyday life in home, workplace, and church.6T 260.3+1 Such faith and sacrifice in everyday tasks make Christ's character visible and the life a public witness to the truth.RH Apr 30, 1901+1

It requires a twofold life of thought and action, of silent prayer and earnest work, witnessing in daily work as truly as in church and shedding light on the pathway of the impenitent.4T 459.3+1 The soul turning to God daily in earnest prayer for strength, support, and power gains noble aspirations, clear perception of truth and duty, lofty purposes of action, and continual hunger for righteousness.4T 459.3+2 By staying connected with God as the source of wisdom and power, the believer diffuses light, peace, and serenity of heart through association and sets before others an example of unwavering fidelity to the work engaged in, displaying the power of divine grace.4T 459.3+2

Faith that makes this letter controls conduct and sanctifies life through living faith as obedience in action, with the heart going out toward God, seeing Christ's excellence and realizing the sufficiency of his grace.Ms 55, 1911, par. 10–12+1 It leads a person to consecrate strength, children, and property to the wishes and service of Christ, changing men and women into his likeness to live the truth as light-bearers to the world by the whole will of God and the character to be formed for immortal life.Ms 55, 1911, par. 10–12+1

Families are to be living epistles known and read of all men, openly read by all who associate with them so as to make them either better or worse.TEPD 32.1+2 Parents are to come into a different position in the family, teach religious life and right lessons by circumspect conduct and solidity of character, teach children to deny appetite and be grateful for plain simple food with parents dictating what is best to eat rather than children dictating and murmuring over wholesome food, and practice self-denial instead of selfish indulgence, forming character that fits for future immortal life.TEPD 32.1+2 Love of the world and love of selfish indulgence quenches spiritual life, makes a family stumbling blocks, and keeps practical truth from being desired so God cannot preside in the hearts, while receiving Jesus in whom God has given all heaven gives moral power to overcome evil, makes partakers of the divine nature, and by eating the Bread of life and drinking the water of life gives strength to be co-workers with God.Lt 51a, 1895, par. 22

Every worker, manager, teacher, physician, helper, student, and institution is to become such a letter, with God making provision of grace and wisdom for this.CH 606.2–3+3 For sanitarium workers it means sacred work done intelligently by competent men and women who know their work reaches to eternity, each drawing from the reservoir of knowledge, wisdom, sanctification, and righteousness so those served read Christ in daily conduct, with sin-sick souls won to eternal life becoming living epistles, seals of ministry, and trophies of divine grace when physicians and helpers live in close communion with God, keep bright religious experience, move carefully and intelligently, speak helpful appropriate words Christ can use to impress the mind, and offer prayer so Jesus makes the application, God speaks through human lips, the heart is reached, and humanity is brought into touch with divinity.Lt 240, 1907, par. 3+1 A publishing house is to be a living epistle with the Spirit of Christ in it as witness to God's character by business upon justice and equity, judging every case without partiality and without hypocrisy, revealing nothing like oppression, showing consecration and purity toward every child of God, with managers under God's control working in sacrifice and not by the world's policy nor letting selfishness and love of money set aside sacrifice, while schools become so by hearing and obeying Christ's rest and yoke and overseers by self-control, tender speech, and cheerful obedience.STMW7 12.1–2+1

As scattered lights and witnesses in towns, villages, and cities amid moral darkness, believers testify they have not received grace in vain, show the reality of great salvation through Jesus Christ, communicate the divine will and truth of heavenly origin, and reflect rays of light to others as faithful obedient children.RH May 8, 1913+2 They warn a lost world of the near Savior and hastening judgment, giving the sure word of prophecy as light shining in a dark place in contrast to fables and preparing people for the coming judgment.ST Apr 2, 1894+1 This requires cleansing of soul and body, refusing sloth and neglect, rousing with holy zeal in sympathy with heaven's interest in salvation, proclaiming the third angel's message bringing light upon God's commandments and Jesus' faith, and showing self-denial and self-sacrifice in imitation of Christ's life by faith working by love and purifying the heart rather than faith without works, refusing to spend means on selfish gratification and using every penny to bless others and carry the good news, so as to be prepared to meet the Savior with power and great glory divested of selfishness, bigotry, spiritual pride, self-idolatry, meek and lowly as imitators of Christ.RH May 8, 1913+1

Such living epistles sow seeds of truth by revealing pure principles that can save the soul and by teaching in life the statutes and judgments ruling in heavenly courts, with capabilities increasing as one labors to communicate what was learned.Lt 106, 1906, par. 4–5+1 They stand on the platform of eternal truth living not for self but for God's glory, as light set on a hill fixing eyes on Jesus and lifting him up so sinners are drawn to him, cooperating with thousands upon thousands of heavenly intelligences in saving souls rather than erecting idols in the heart, giving time to ever-changing fashion, or placing stumbling blocks causing sinners to fall on the way to the city of refuge.Ms 24, 1895, par. 17+1 Where Christ abides there are deep yearnings for unbelievers' salvation, greater anxiety to practice Christ's good works and be numbered God's chosen than to seek riches, words and example as continual sermon manifesting treasure laid above with life hid with Christ in God and hope to appear with Christ who is life when he appears in glory, through continual crucifixion and constant dying to self and sin with circumspect speaking and walking, and through being on guard every moment, faithful, watchful, prayerful, wide-awake to danger amid rocks, quicksands, perils, and stratagems of the foe, hiding in Christ, watching for souls as those who must give account, always ready for his appearing lest coming suddenly he find them sleeping, teaching others cheerfulness, watchfulness, and faith with prayerfulness acting as salt that has not lost savor.Lt 106, 1906, par. 4–5+2

Kindness, love, and self-sacrificing deeds write lasting testimony of influence in others' hearts and turn minds from material things toward eternal realities, with Christ's character written within and revealed in life and example.Ms 169, 1899, par. 31+1 Even the poor and unlearned may become such epistles by choosing to be students in Christ's school where he teaches true wisdom, through meek childlike trust, true piety, and true religion effective in influence rather than dependence on book knowledge without wrestling earnestly with God in secret prayer and laying hold of promises by faith.Ms 2, 1914, par. 10+1 Those receiving heavenly unction go forth with Christlike spirit seeking opportunity to engage others in conversation and reveal knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ whom he sent, whom to know aright is life eternal, with converted lips carrying power touching cold hearts so even those who do not know God distinguish between the human and the divine.Ms 2, 1914, par. 10+1

The letter must show unity and love with Christ's love abiding in the heart, sharing the work of presenting truth, and glorifying God in serving and praising him, for failure is selfish neglect of plain directions.Lt 69, 1897, par. 17–19+1 A tame, lifeless ministry and profession without the Spirit does not make living epistles, makes no right impression, and misrepresents Christ, while the Holy Spirit must give life so truth appears as righteousness and power in human lives.Lt 1a, 1896, par. 7–8+1 When the heart is opened to Jesus in renewed faith and surrendered to truth, especially in a teacher of truth, the Lord works in, with, and through the person, writing truth in the heart and reproducing consistent life and correct example needed by the church so Christ's work is openly seen and grows in intensity.Ms 115a, 1897, par. 28+1 Living truth must then be deeply engraved on the tables of the heart, kept with God's love in the heart and cherished true faith, pressing forward in hope and courage with grateful thanks and prayers seasoned with thanksgiving and praise to his holy name.Ms 115a, 1897, par. 28+1

God provides grace and wisdom for this, accomplished by watchfulness unto prayer, putting the whole being into the Lord's work, faithful painstaking discharge of duty, watching for souls as those who must give account, removing every stumbling block out of others' way, and earnest warnings and entreaties with soul drawn out in tender solicitude to win the perishing.CH 606.2–3+3 It means living not to save reputation but to save perishing souls from perdition, forgetting self and self-sympathy entirely instead of trying to elicit sympathy as unappreciated, putting self in the background to become a channel through which living water flows to refresh others instead of uplifting self and absorbing affection, showing them how to gain truth and righteousness with actions agreeing with words and life reflecting Christ rather than drawing attention to self.CH 606.2–3+2 Without spiritual discernment and vital piety their souls will be required at the worker's hand, while a consistent prayerful life helps words lead others to truth and righteousness.CH 606.2–3+1

To be this epistle is to follow Jesus' example in self-denial, meekness, humility, forbearance, cross-bearing, and devotion so the world is compelled to acknowledge believers as Christ's servants, with the eyes of the world upon them to see fruit, influence, and whom they have gathered to his fold.ST Jan 4, 1883+1 It requires examination of workings of the heart and of past and future record of life in view of standing before the Judge of all the earth who determines cases by the unerring standard of his perfect law, and awakening to God-given responsibility with faith working by love and purifying the heart.ST Jan 4, 1883+1 This life defends against pagan and papal principles as conduct represents Christ in all things as living testimony of Bible religion.Lt 83, 1896, par. 35–37+2 The purity and simplicity of Christ revealed in humble followers proves genuine piety, and as the church draws near to God in close connection with the Giver of life and light receiving light from the source of all light, life-giving beams shine through members to the world as they reflect light in good works and as partakers of divine nature escape corruptions in the world through lust, with Christlike character like a letter making truth visible and pointing people to the living God.Ms 95, 1907, par. 14+1

Workers receive sacred light passed down through church history and are to diffuse it to others, letting failures of earlier workers lead to greater purity and better ways of working.Lt 60, 1886, par. 9+1 Christian teachers must support truth taught by representing Christ in words and character, with passions controlled by the Spirit and Christ dwelling in the heart by faith so speech and conduct become refined and show Jesus.Lt 60, 1886, par. 9+1 Though the world does not know or recognize them, those bringing God into life and character as living missionaries for poor souls out of Christ, testifying what the Lord has done and shining as light, are known by the God of heaven.Ms 16, 1887, par. 31–32+1 Visible good works provide example that may lead others to glorify God, whereas taking on the surrounding spirit as in Hardy's case loses opportunities and shows lack of practical faith.Ms 16, 1887, par. 31–32+1

A sincere, earnest, faithful life with steadfast confidence in Christ and living connection with him and inspiration of God's Spirit gives others confidence in piety and does them good.Lt 66, 1895, par. 9–11+1 Noble actions preach louder than words as living preaching, with Paul such an epistle proving to world, angels, and men that Christ lived in him with life hid with Christ in God.Lt 66, 1895, par. 9–11+1 Every follower is to reach higher standard in words, spirit, action, and tongue, educating the tongue to glorify God, carrying Christ wherever feet go and representing the meek and lowly Jesus.Lt 83, 1894, par. 9–10 Holiness of soul, body, and spirit through Christ's indwelling grace, cherished and matured by looking to Jesus, makes obedience visible, with heart subdued by the Spirit requiring reconversion and putting away bitterness and malice while daily seeking strength and grace.Lt 81, 1902, par. 17–18+1 Obedient love flowing out in doing all things unto the Lord gives words and actions heavenly dignity, refining, purifying, and ennobling them in work, family, and business, making influence a savor of life unto life and strength to fellow workers.Lt 81, 1902, par. 17–18+1

The Word must not only be preached but exemplified, with the Spirit's power accompanying words when life represents sanctifying truth and reveals God's power in molding character after the divine Model.TEPD 40.1+1 Such lives make believers channels through which God communicates, manifesting excellency of gospel power with good works as fruit testifying of faith in Jesus Christ and his words of life making men wise unto salvation.TEPD 40.1+1 The new-covenant ministry is more laborious than merely preaching, requiring representation of Christ in character and solemn responsibility to present every person perfect in him.GW92 422.3 Trading at once on the first endowment by putting out entrusted goods to others, presenting sacred truth by precept and example, seeking wisdom from God daily, searching Scriptures diligently, and working in co-partnership with God makes the gospel the power and wisdom of God with ministry in life and character constantly conforming character to Christ's, with the Spirit as efficiency giving life, hope, and joy, most effectual through deepest sense of weakness and unworthiness casting the helpless soul upon Christ in contrite humble spirit with whom God dwells to revive.Lt 86, 1895, par. 7–8

Only souls sanctified by the Spirit are truly his epistles, with God's thoughts and law written deeply in the heart not with pen and ink nor on stone but by the Spirit of the living God on fleshy tables, through deep heart-searching making them solemn, earnest, true, and tender.Ms 5, 1906, par. 4+2 Those so written look to God for themselves and trust him for wisdom and duty instead of looking to human agents to be told duty, with the divine Guide preparing hearts for divine light.Lt 50a, 1897, par. 22–24+1 Only deep implantation of truth lived in daily life will convince perishing unbelievers in sin that profession is real.Ms 5, 1906, par. 4+1 Living that truth includes denying self and remaining faithful even when relatives oppose, closely studying and imitating Christ who supplies grace and qualifications for service.Lt 52, 1900, par. 21–22 God's requirements are written by the Lord speaking to the soul and stirring inward response moving to practice rather than wasting time on unretained instruction, for appeals take effect only as he speaks.Ms 126, 1899, par. 29–31+1

The Spirit works and speaks through followers with hearts made receptive and changed, so conduct including cleanliness, order, and representation of sacred work serves as visible witness with truth shown in life rather than written in ink.RH May 30, 1871+1 Unselfish work to save others and desire to share scriptural light show conversion and co-labor with Christ, with piety, zeal, and consecrated judgment growing day by day and unbelieving world seeing living communion with God and learning from him.5T 386.2+1 People who work in Christ's way make his work visible with character written within and revealed in life and example, becoming living messages known and read by others through transformed life.Ms 160, 1899, par. 8+2 Christ's life in followers uplifts the whole person as grace in the soul, letting others learn what life with Christ means by seeing him revealed, representing Jesus as his instruments, bringing glory to his name as living letters of truth and righteousness.7T 68.2+1

Sluggish indifference misrepresents Christ and the truth, while everyone naming Christ's name must correctly represent him rather than misrepresent him.Lt 102a, 1897, par. 19 Being that letter requires conversion and retaining God's favor and communion of a Savior's love through prayer, faith, and zealously seeking the Lord, bringing into Christian life the spirit and mind that was in Christ Jesus and drawing with Christ.Lt 102a, 1897, par. 19 Without this a member is unconverted, having a name to live but dead, and fails to carry the soul-stirring third angel's message to perishing souls close at hand.Lt 102a, 1897, par. 19 The first disciples became living representatives of his mind and spirit and living epistles known and read of all men by bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, with glorious success as effect thereof.GW92 66.1 Though some were unlearned and ignorant, grace and truth reigned in hearts inspiring and purifying lives and controlling actions, and because they embodied Christ they were hated and persecuted by all who would not receive preached truth and despised the cross.GW92 66.1 God's work goes into all the world vindicating Christ's claims by writing his name on hearts, with the Spirit attending every worker, controlling the agent through capacities and powers, throwing light into understanding, leaving keen clear-cut testimony against sin, and when humble workers in simplicity present truth because they love it, reading from the Word or recalling experience, making impression on mind and character, bringing will into subordination to God's will, and bringing before ununderstood truth home with living conviction until it becomes spiritual reality.Lt 131, 1899, par. 4–6