5:192 Corinthians 5:19

God himself was present in Christ to bring the estranged world back to himself, the Father and Son united in mind and purpose to give the ransom for sin.SC 35.3–4+4 This did not make the Father willing to save, for he already loved the world and gave his Son to express that love, suffering with him to uphold his unchangeable law rather than change it.SC 13.2+4 He no longer counts the sins of the repentant against them, but pardons through faith in Christ's blood and counts Christ's righteousness as theirs.ST Dec 23, 1897+4 Those who surrender at the cross become new creatures, restored to favor and communion with God, partakers of the divine nature and transformed into Christ's likeness.DA 762.1–4+4 That message of mercy is then entrusted to every believer, to urge all people with power from above to be reconciled to God.Ms 130, 1901, par. 12–15+4

To wit, that God was in Christ means the Father himself was present in the Son in suffering and death, united with him in mind and purpose to give a ransom for the world.Ms 41, 1892, par. 13–16+2 The Father's love, no less than the Son's, is the source of salvation, and the sacrifice was not made to create love for man in the Father's heart or to make him willing to save, for he already loved the world and gave his only begotten Son.Ms 41, 1892, par. 13–16+3 The Father suffered with his Son, and in the agony of Gethsemane and the death of Calvary the heart of Infinite Love paid the price of redemption.Ms 41, 1892, par. 13–16+1 Only Christ could atone, because man had broken God's law and only his death could redeem the race, and this is the great key truth of the life of Christ and his apostles, carried out in his mediation in the heavenly sanctuary.Ms 41, 1892, par. 13–16+4 The gift was not only for Christ to live among men, bear their sins and die their sacrifice, but to give him to the fallen race in lasting union so that fallen men may be uplifted, changed to his image, and made sons of God.Ms 41, 1892, par. 13–16

Not imputing their trespasses unto them means God chooses not to count people's sins against them but to forgive through faith in Christ's atoning blood.ST Dec 23, 1897+4 The Father's gift of his Son expresses both his love for fallen humanity and his holiness and justice, for Christ became humanity's sin-bearer and substitute, taking the punishment for sin, satisfying justice and upholding the honor of God's law.ST Dec 23, 1897+1 This reconciliation is through Jesus, who knew no sin but was made sin for sinners so that they might be made the righteousness of God in him.Ms 155, 1899, par. 18–19+1 It rests on Christ's death for all and calls those who live to stop living for themselves and to become new in Christ, repenting, becoming contrite, and believing in Christ as their atoning sacrifice.Ms 59, 1902, par. 43–45+1 Through his merits God is reconciled to them, their sins are pardoned, and they have hope of salvation and return to loyalty to God.16MR 192.1–193.1+1 Christ represented God's love by becoming human and giving his life so that sinners might live through faith in his redeeming power.16MR 192.1–193.1

Forgiveness includes imputing Christ's righteousness to the repentant soul, who becomes God's friend and is brought back to loyalty to God and obedience to his commandments.ST Jun 18, 1896+1 Through the union of his human and divine natures Christ bears the guilt and debt created by sin as man and brings God to humanity through his divine nature.LC1 140.3+1 His suffering does not excuse continued disobedience or give license to break God's law, but shows sin's seriousness, exposes the sinfulness of transgression, and leads to repentance and obedience.LC1 140.3+1 God imputes Christ's righteousness to them so that their efforts to keep his law are acceptable to him.ST Jun 18, 1896+2 This restoring work in a lost soul for whom Christ is working calls for sympathy rather than words or actions that discourage the soul.Lt 23, 1894, par. 8–9

And hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation means the ministry and message of reconciliation is entrusted to the church and to every believer, not only to those who preach the Word.Lt 32, 1903, par. 15–16+4 Reconciliation is wholly of God by Jesus Christ, by covenant love in which Christ, equal with the Father, became one with humanity, took the nature of man, bore all temptation as man, tasted death for every man, and died that guilty sinners might live through faith in his redeeming power with their trespasses not imputed to them.Ms 130, 1901, par. 12–15 Everyone in Christ, made a new creature with old things passed away, receives the ministry and word of reconciliation, not contention and alienation and strife, as ambassadors for Christ beseeching others to be reconciled to God.Ms 130, 1901, par. 12–15 The great light received is entrusted for the benefit and blessing of the world, to be urged upon men with power from above, since Christ has made reconciliation for sin, brought in everlasting righteousness through the gift of Jesus given in great love, and as the Anointed Priest ever lives to make intercession for every individual soul.Lt 32, 1903, par. 15–16+2 All in church capacity are favored to serve by working to beseech men and women to be reconciled to God, by precept and example, in words and works revealing Christ's love, goodness, mercy and righteousness, expressing appreciation for God's unspeakable gift, and communicating his saving truth as channels of the Holy Spirit.Lt 183, 1901, par. 16–18+1 That work requires acting in concert with no variance, quickly settling any error, disagreement or variance between believers, breaking down barriers until heart is cemented to heart and self-will and selfishness die.Lt 183, 1901, par. 16–18 When hearts are filled with the love of Christ, words of thanksgiving warm other hearts in need of help, and this is service all can perform, which the Lord accepts as offered to himself, making it effective by giving the earnest worker the grace that brings man back to God.Ms 158, 1902, par. 7

Reconciliation begins with God drawing the world back to himself in Christ, and sinners do not have to persuade him to accept them, for his promises and warnings express tender love as he seeks to save them.SC 35.3–4+2 Jesus laid hold of the world to take it out of Satan's power and redeem it from the curse of sin and the penalty of transgression so the transgressor might be forgiven, planting the cross between earth and heaven and between divinity and humanity, which the Father beheld and was satisfied was a complete offering.ST Sep 30, 1889 Those who have lived in rebellion become reconciled when they see the cross, become repentant, and accept the great propitiation made for their sins.ST Sep 30, 1889+1 God in Christ daily beseeches men to be reconciled, with outstretched arms ready to receive and welcome not only the sinner but the prodigal, restoring the sinner to divine favor through the goodness and mercy of Christ who has undertaken to save all who trust in him for salvation.3MR 32.1–3 His love manifested on Calvary is the sinner's assurance of acceptance, peace and love, and viewing him on the cross, the just dying for the unjust, breaks every barrier down, a reconciliation to be taught in simplest form so the sin-darkened soul may see light shining from Calvary while ministers make winning souls by lifting up Jesus rather than their own peculiar ideas the great work.3MR 32.1–3

Christ's sacrifice did not create the Father's love or make him willing to save, for the Father already loved the world and provided Christ as the means of expressing his love and redeeming humanity.SC 13.2+1 God the Father was in Christ in his suffering and death, and because man had broken God's law only Christ's death could atone and redeem the race, yet the Father suffered with his Son so that in the agony of Gethsemane and the death of Calvary the heart of Infinite Love paid the price of redemption.SC 13.2+1 God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son to a life of humiliation and suffering as the only means of manifesting his love for disobedient human beings, an offering of unsurpassed value that astonished heaven, with the love of God manifested in and through Christ as the Son of the infinite God suffered the penalty of sin to reconcile the world.Lt 72, 1906, par. 9 He who knew no sin became a sin-offering and propitiation, so that fallen sinful human beings through repentance, confession, humility, and receiving the merits of Christ might receive pardon and be made the righteousness of God in him.Lt 72, 1906, par. 9+1 The gift was not only for Christ to live among men, bear their sins, and die their sacrifice, but to give him to the fallen race in lasting union so fallen men can be uplifted, changed to his image, and made sons of God receiving the Spirit of adoption whereby they cry Abba, Father.Ms 41, 1892, par. 13–16+1

The character of God can only be justly appreciated by contemplating the great plan of redemption, for while creation manifested his love, the gift of God to save the guilty and ruined race alone reveals the infinite depths of divine tenderness and compassion.Lt 72, 1906, par. 9+1 While the law is maintained and its justice vindicated the sinner can be pardoned, because the dearest gift heaven had to bestow has been poured out so that God might be just and the justifier of him who believes in Jesus, uplifting men from ruin and degradation to become children of God.5T 739.2 Christ's sacrifice for fallen humanity was the greatest sacrifice love could make, exposing as false the charge that God demanded self-denial without making any sacrifice himself.GC 501.3–502.3+1 Through his death the law's penalty fell on one equal with God, making it possible for people to accept Christ's righteousness and be redeemed without setting the law aside.GC 501.3–502.3+2

Reconciliation rests on the union of the human and divine in Christ, for as man he bears the guilt and debt created by sin, and through his divine nature he brings God to humanity and joins the finite with the Infinite.LC1 140.3+3 By taking human nature Christ could understand human trials and temptations and sympathize with people in a way sinless angels could not, having no experience of sin in those particular trials.LC1 33.2+2 He reaches both the depths of human misery and the throne of God, bringing God's love and condescension to humanity and through his merits bringing humanity to meet God's reconciliation so sinners can be lifted from their degraded condition.LC1 33.2+1 His suffering does not excuse continued disobedience or give license to break God's law, but shows sin's seriousness and exposes the sinfulness of transgression to lead people to repentance and obedience.LC1 140.3+1 God imputes Christ's righteousness to them, making their efforts to keep his law acceptable to him, and through the merits of his blood fallen people can be exalted and become partakers of the divine nature.LC1 140.3+4

In Christ God is manifested to reveal the Father, for Christ by his life of obedience and ministry represented the character of God before men and angels.Ms 21, 1900, par. 22–24+2 His earthly work lifts the veil concealing the invisible world and reveals the power constantly exercised for human good, and that same ministry continued after his ascension, with God in Christ still ministering to people through his representative the Holy Spirit.Ms 21, 1900, par. 22–24 Jesus came in love to reveal the Father, save sinners from ruin, and bring them back to God and into harmony with him, devoting himself to redemption and humbling himself and facing trial even to death on the cross as one with God taking humanity in infinite sacrifice so humanity could be exalted with him.ST Jun 27, 1911+3 By coming to earth and taking human nature Christ bridged the gulf between heaven and earth so man can understand the character of God and his purpose for mankind.ST Jul 14, 1909 Through him people can become new creatures renewed in the image of their Creator, and as Prince of peace he reconciles man to God by making him understand his relation to the Father, a union with God that unites man with his fellow man to see the poor and oppressed and suffering as bought by Christ's blood and valued as God's property and to right every wrong.ST Jun 27, 1911+3

God gave himself in Christ to redeem humanity rather than alter his law to accommodate fallen people, because that law reveals his own character and could not be changed by one jot or tittle.DA 762.1–4+2 Through Jesus mercy was shown without setting justice aside, for by bearing the sinner's guilt and paying the penalty for transgression of the law Christ upholds its unchanging claims while bringing God and humanity together.DA 762.1–4+2 He lived a holy life and formed a perfect human character to offer as a free gift, so that his life stands for human lives to give remission of past sins and then to build human character after the divine likeness until the righteousness of the law is fulfilled in the believer.DA 762.1–4 By his life and death he proved that divine justice does not destroy mercy, that sin can be forgiven, that the law is righteous and can be perfectly obeyed, and that mercy, truth, justice and peace are inseparably joined, answering the charge that justice is inconsistent with mercy and that the sinner cannot be pardoned.DA 762.1–4

The cross fully satisfies the Father as Christ became the sin-bearer and substitute, taking the punishment for transgression so that believers may be pardoned and return to loyalty and allegiance to God.STE 227.1+2 His sacrifice satisfies justice and upholds the honor of the law, joining mercy and forgiveness with unwavering justice.STE 227.1+3 Separation from God brings severity, but those who repent, become contrite, and trust in the atoning sacrifice find through his merits that God is reconciled to them as a merciful Father, with hope of salvation.STE 227.1+4

At Calvary mercy and truth met together and righteousness and peace kissed each other.TSSW 78.1+2 There the cross reveals mercy, tenderness and forgiveness blended with equity and justice, manifesting a God of holiness and love and expressing both justice and love with the immutability of the holy law.TSSW 78.1+2 Reconciliation was secured by suffering that left marks in hands and feet and side, borne by One seen in the midst of the throne, so that the infinite Father dwelling in unapproachable light receives sinners through the merits of his Son.AA 333.2 The cloud of vengeance that threatened only misery and despair becomes in the light of the cross a declaration of life to penitent believing souls because a ransom has been paid.AA 333.2

The penalty of the law fell on one equal with God in a complete offering that the Father beheld and accepted as satisfying.GC 501.3–502.3+2 Jesus laid hold of the world to take it out of Satan's power and redeem it from the curse of sin and the penalty of transgression so the transgressor might be forgiven, planting the cross between earth and heaven and between divinity and humanity.ST Sep 30, 1889 The world once separated from God was brought back into his favor because Christ's righteousness bridged the gulf, and his life was given as the price by which humanity was bought.ST Sep 30, 1889+1 Those who lived in rebellion become reconciled when they see the cross, become repentant, and accept the great propitiation made for their sins.ST Sep 30, 1889

Acceptance with God rests on Christ's righteousness and blood received by repentance, contrition, confession and faith, not on penance or good works.STE 227.1+2 Though innocent, Christ took human nature and bore the sins and responsibilities of the guilty as their representative, suffering in their place and paying the full debt for believers to bring forgiveness and justification through faith in his blood.ST May 30, 1895+1 Sin had made people unable by their own power to live in harmony with God's pure and good nature and had separated the world from God, but Christ redeemed humanity from the law's condemnation, bridged that separation with his accepted sacrifice, and gives divine power to work with human effort to give another opportunity.PP 64.1+1 Through repentance toward God and faith in Christ as the sin-pardoning Saviour, the repentant are pardoned, made the righteousness of God in him, restored as God's friends and children and heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ, with hope of eternal life.STE 227.1+4

Sin had shut humanity out from God into separation and night, so that in sin no one can in person approach His presence or look upon His face.ED 28.1+1 Through the Saviour's sacrifice communion is again made possible, because God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself.ED 28.1+1 In Jesus the Saviour sinners can behold Him and commune with Him, with the light of the knowledge of the glory of God revealed in the face of Jesus Christ.ED 28.1+1 He planted the cross between earth and heaven and between divinity and humanity, and as the Father beheld it He was satisfied that the offering was complete.ST Sep 30, 1889+1 Those who have lived in rebellion become reconciled when they see the cross, become repentant, and accept the great propitiation made for their sins.ST Sep 30, 1889+1

Through Christ the repentant become new creatures, renewed in the image of their Creator.Ms 130, 1901, par. 12–15+4 Fallen people, unable by their own power to live in harmony with God's pure and good nature, through repentance toward God and faith in Christ become God's children again.Ms 130, 1901, par. 12–15+1 Christ, equal with the Father, became one with humanity, took the nature of man, bore temptation as man, tasted death for every man, and died that guilty sinners might live through faith with their trespasses not imputed to them.Ms 130, 1901, par. 12–15+1 Though one with God He humbled Himself even to death on the cross in infinite sacrifice so that humanity could be exalted with Him, redeemed from the law's condemnation and given divine power to work with human effort.PP 64.1+1 In Him the reconciled are restored to favor, standing and connection with heaven, and exalted to partake of the divine nature.Ms 130, 1901, par. 12–15+2

Christ lived a holy life and developed a perfect character as man and offers them as a free gift.DA 762.1–4+1 His life stands for the life of men, giving remission of sins that are past and then building up human character after the divine similitude until the righteousness of the law is fulfilled in the believer.DA 762.1–4+1 The depraved, deformed character formed under the power of darkness is not left as it is but is transformed as Christ draws the sinner by love, changing pride to humility and enmity and unbelief to faith, confidence, hope and love.DA 762.1–4+1 By beholding as in a mirror the glory of Jesus Christ the soul catches His temper and likeness, is changed into the same image, receives the imprint and likeness of God upon the soul, and the work of grace continues until completely conformed to the perfect Model and Pattern of holiness.Ms 21, 1889, par. 89–90+1 He bound Himself to humanity by taking human nature, and as representative and head of the race He forever bears that humanity as He pleads before the Father the perfect righteousness of all who accept Him.DA 762.1–4+1

The life He imparts opens the heart to heaven by undoing sin's destruction of the desire and capacity for knowing God.ST Nov 3, 1909+2 It invigorates and restores the paralyzed faculties of the soul, the darkened mind and the perverted will, and opens the riches of the universe with power to discern and appropriate them.ST Nov 3, 1909+1 By the Holy Spirit He brings the sinner to see his position and surrender his will to God's will, sanctifies and cleanses the soul temple, takes away the destructive tendencies of the sinful nature, and gives power to become a son of God.18MR 208.2–3+2 Though the whole powers had become deranged and debased and enfeebled, man is restored to his original relationship to God, follows heavenly principles in place of diseased soul-and-body-destroying principles of evil, and has his perverted powers turned to Christ's service.18MR 208.2–3+1 In this way humanity, clothed with divinity so that humanity could embrace humanity, becomes partaker of the divine nature and escapes the corruption in the world through lust.18MR 208.2–3+1

Reconciliation happens only as the person prostrates at the foot of the cross of Calvary and surrenders the will to God, for only that surrender gives pure spiritual life.Lt 18d, 1890, par. 10+2 God casts down everyone who presents himself on his own footing, according to his own ideas, serving in his own way and strength or lifting up his head in his own righteousness.Lt 18d, 1890, par. 10+1 But to the contrite and penitent and humble He gives comfort and assurance and joy and freedom from fear to lift themselves up, stand before Him, and behold His face.Lt 18d, 1890, par. 10+1 That surrender comes through exercise of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, by which people are brought into communion with Him and worked by the Holy Spirit with Christ dwelling in the hearts of all who are meek and lowly.Lt 352, 1908, par. 5+1 That faith works by love and purifies the soul, brings peace to the heart, leads in the path of self-denial and self-sacrifice and obedience to God's requirements, and is walking with God as a daily learner watching for His tokens and listening for His voice, directions, reproofs and commands.Lt 18d, 1890, par. 10+2

Christ reconciled sinners to God by drinking in their stead the bitter cup their sins had mingled, enduring the cross and despising the shame.ST Apr 8, 1913+1 In return He puts the cup of blessing to their lips, so that whosoever will may take of the water of life freely.ST Apr 8, 1913+2 When the sinner by faith reaches the foot of the cross and looks to Christ lifted up to save him, he has pardon and may rejoice with fullness of joy.ST Apr 8, 1913+2 In that prostration he has reached the highest elevation man can attain, the highest place possible through union with the Father and with the Lamb in the midst of the throne.AA 209.3–4+1 Those who receive reconciliation in this way have no ground for dissatisfaction or murmuring under trials, toils, conflicts, pains, sorrows and bereavements, and cannot wish or expect to enter His kingdom in any other way than through much tribulation, following where Jesus leads and sharing His humility and suffering.ST Apr 8, 1913+1

Before the fall the Father and the Son united in covenant and counsel of peace to lay the plan of salvation in which God would be manifested in Christ to reconcile the world to himself.Ms 109, 1906, par. 5–7+3 The Father gave himself in the gift of his Son, devising that plan before the foundation of the world as a tender, loving Father ready to hear prayer, not a God of vindictive wrath.Ms 36, 1897, par. 1–5 Thousands of years later in the fulness of time that appointed plan was fulfilled when the infinite sacrifice was made, divinity was communicated to humanity through the divine-human Saviour, and the great Life-giver purchased the whole world by giving his own life as a ransom, breaking Satan's power over mankind.Ms 109, 1906, par. 5–7+1 In that giving God was in Christ providing a ransom for the whole human race while Christ was in God to carry out their agreement, united in mind and purpose, and the precious news that a Saviour has been born is to be carried to the world.Ms 124, 1906, par. 12–14 In Christ and in his crucifixion on Calvary God reconciles the world to himself, not imputing trespasses, sending his Son to be the propitiation through faith in his atoning blood, manifesting holiness and love and the immutability of the holy law where justice and truth meet together and righteousness and peace kiss each other.Ms 36, 1897, par. 1–5

Throughout the ages after the fall God's dealings and revelations to humanity came through Christ, whose mediatorial work redeems people and upholds the authority and holiness of God's law.PP 365.4–366.3 Christ was the center of the sacrificial system and the one through whom people in ancient times received the promise of redemption and looked for salvation.PP 365.4–366.3 Angels had part in that reconciling work, ministering to Christ in his suffering and serving and guarding those who would inherit salvation from evil angels and Satan's darkness.PP 64.3–65.1

Christ came to turn people back to God and restore the broken relationship, turning their attention to the Father and teaching repentance toward God.SG4 116.1+4 His coming fulfilled prophecy about the Just One and how he would come, giving those willing to believe a sound basis and grounds for faith.SG4 116.1+1 He did not come in the splendor and power many expected, nor in the manner people expected, and his own people did not receive him.LC1 34.3+1

Christ's death was needed to reconcile fallen humanity because of transgression, and his life was given as the price by which humanity was bought and the once-separated world was brought back into favor because his righteousness bridged the gulf.SG4 150.1+1 The cross brings man nigh to God, reconciling man to God and God to man, and with relenting compassion and a Father's love the Father looks upon the suffering he gave his Son to endure to save the race from eternal death and hopeless misery and to draw man to himself, accepting sinners in the Beloved.AA 209.3–4+1 Without the cross there could be no union or connection with the Father, no unity with the Lamb in the midst of the throne in heaven, no welcome reception of the wandering who would return to the path of righteousness and truth, and no hope for the transgressor in the day of judgment, for every hope of the race hangs upon the cross which alone overcomes the power of the strong foe.AA 209.3–4+1 God was in Christ on the cross reconciling the world to himself, revealing mercy, tenderness and forgiveness blended with equity and justice through suffering that leaves marks in hands and feet and side, borne by One seen in the midst of the throne, so that the infinite Father dwelling in light unapproachable receives sinners through the merits of his Son and the cloud of vengeance that threatened only misery and despair becomes a declaration of life to penitent believing souls because a ransom has been paid.AA 333.2 When the sinner by faith reaches the foot of the cross and looks up to Christ lifted up to save him, his sins are pardoned and he rejoices with fullness of joy, and in prostration there he has reached the highest place and elevation man can attain.AA 209.3–4+1

The Father's love no less than the Son's is the source of salvation, and Christ's sacrifice and continuing mediation in the heavenly sanctuary carry out this reconciliation and belong to their counsel of peace.GC 415.2–416.4+2 Christ has made reconciliation for sin and is humanity's only hope, bringing in everlasting righteousness through the gift of Jesus given in great love.ST Nov 7, 1895 He is the Anointed Priest who ever lives to make intercession for every individual soul.ST Nov 7, 1895

Christ's death ransoms many and makes reconciliation possible, so that the redeemed recover the kingdom lost through transgression and inherit it with Christ forever, while sin and sinners are finally blotted out.PP 65.2 Through his work the world was brought back into favor and standing with God and connected again with heaven, to be benefited with all the treasures of light and knowledge coming from heaven.Ms 152, 1897, par. 12 Angels rejoiced when they saw this reconciliation accomplished, and they sorrow when those for whom so much was done have no burden and no interest in winning souls.Ms 152, 1897, par. 12

The Bible presents reconciliation as central to its plan of salvation, explaining how sinful people may be brought back to God and teaching truth about duty, divine help for obedience, and hope of eternal life.RH Aug 22, 1912+1 Through Christ's atoning work God reconciled the world to Himself, giving His followers a true understanding of the kingdom He established and empowering them by the Holy Spirit to proclaim Him throughout the world.ST Aug 16, 1899 All who will may be reconciled and receive everlasting life, for all who come confessing sins are freely received and never cast out, and even those who once rejected Christ are given another opportunity to accept Him.DA 821.1 The word of reconciliation is committed to Christ's disciples as a message of mercy, to be given to Israel first and then to Jews and Gentiles in all nations, tongues and peoples, gathering all believers into one church.DA 821.1

Christ gave up heaven, ease, riches and life to labor for fallen humanity, bridging the gulf sin had made so that people of every people, nation and tongue can through His merits be reconciled to God and receive salvation.SBAWP 54.3–55.1 He left that reconciling work for Christians to carry forward to glorious completion, making those reconciled laborers together with God to go to degraded, ignorant and perishing souls where they are, bring them from darkness to light, teach them to believe in Christ as personal Saviour, see Him by faith, love God supremely and fellow men as themselves, and wash in the fountain opened to cleanse the sins of the world.SBAWP 54.3–55.1+2 This ministry belongs to the whole people of God, making every child of God a missionary and minister of mercy, for which education should prepare them whether in the home, in ordinary work, or in gospel teaching.ST Nov 24, 1914 Those who labor in ministry and medical missionary work share in that work by following Christ's directions to restore God's moral image in humanity, acting in His name and for God's glory under His leadership.Lt 233, 1899, par. 13–14 It is done by representing God's character in actions to correct misrepresentation, aiming high rather than too low, moving beyond hesitation, doubt and self-esteem that can do nothing, joining caution with aggressive action so opportunities are not lost and opening providence is discerned, showing pure unselfish benevolence, caring for the afflicted, regarding self as only a thread in the great web of humanity, repenting of half-hearted work, redeeming the time without delay, and making God's love known to save perishing sinners and win people to Christ.3MR 15.2+2

God has committed the word of reconciliation to believers so that by precept and example, in words and works, they reveal Christ's love, goodness, mercy and righteousness, express appreciation for the unspeakable gift of Jesus given in great love to bring in everlasting righteousness, and communicate saving truth as channels of the Holy Spirit while Christ as Anointed Priest ever lives to intercede for every soul.ST Nov 7, 1895 The great eternal truths and law of His kingdom were not confined to a select few but set before the multitude, saint and sinner, great and common, because the world was His field.ST Oct 17, 1895 Truth was taught in plain simplicity meeting the needs of the suffering and oppressed, through natural objects unfolding spiritual nature, not as subtle human theory for few to perceive but so plain in unambiguous language that even the prejudiced and most unlearned could comprehend, promising rest to the weary and blessing to the poor and mournful, sent home to hearts by the Holy Spirit's power to search them as with a lighted candle so that peace and rest come by receiving it.ST Oct 17, 1895 God in Christ daily beseeches people to be reconciled, with outstretched arms ready to receive and welcome not only the sinner but the prodigal, restoring the sinner to divine favor through Christ's goodness and mercy who has undertaken to save all who trust in Him, giving assurance of acceptance, peace and love by love manifested on Calvary where viewing the Just dying for the unjust breaks every barrier down.3MR 32.1–3 This reconciliation must be taught in simplest form so the sin-darkened soul may see light shining from the cross, with ministers making winning souls by lifting up Jesus rather than peculiar ideas the great work, and with followers empowered through the Spirit to proclaim Him throughout the world.ST Aug 16, 1899+1

The ministry of reconciliation has been given to the church, entrusting the great light received for the benefit and blessing of the world.Lt 32, 1903, par. 15–16 With power from above its members are to urge and beseech men and women to be reconciled to God.Lt 32, 1903, par. 15–16+2 Reconciliation to God is promoted by preaching the gospel, for the gospel of grace is the remedy for sin and the sorrows and injustices growing from selfishness, replacing the selfish heart with a heart of love through submission to Christ and bringing blessing human power cannot accomplish.COL 254.2 The work means persuading souls and awakening them to eternal realities rather than settling temporal disputes.Ms 43, 1896, par. 4–5

Unity among believers is the strongest witness to this work, and the unity Christ prayed for must exist among God's people before He gives the church the growth and power He desires.STGC 85.2+1 That work requires acting in concert with no variance, quickly settling error, disagreement and variance, breaking down barriers until heart is cemented to heart and self-will and selfishness die.Lt 183, 1901, par. 16–18 Those reconciled to God should show affectionate compassionate interest toward one another, revealing Christ's love and compassion for sinners, for drawing apart shows lack of sanctification and that God's love is not in the heart.RH Mar 17, 1910+1 Laborers are to be united in one body under Christ, controlled by God's wisdom with harmony in every action, without jealousy over Paul or Apollos or Cephas, without measuring brethren by human ideas or fastening to a human leader, but drawing together without friction to strengthen the work in every line.Lt 233, 1899, par. 13–14

Reconciling love softens the heart to mingle mercy with justice when correcting misconduct, avoiding sharp words and an uncontrolled spirit.TSSW 78.1+1 At Calvary God in Christ through divine sacrifice opened the way for reconciliation, where mercy and truth met together and righteousness and peace kissed each other, showing how God joins mercy with justice in dealing with sin and error.TSSW 78.1+1 The ministry given to His children toward the erring, tempted and wretched victims of want and sin means not asking whether they are worthy but how to benefit them, seeing even the most wretched and debased as souls Christ died to save, dealing with erring youth as younger members of the Lord's family and as Christ's property in the same merciful way Christ has dealt with the teacher.TSSW 78.1 God imputes Christ's righteousness to the lost soul for whom Christ works, and this restoring work calls for sympathy rather than words or actions that discourage.Lt 23, 1894, par. 8–9

Christ's mission reconciles people to God and through that reconciliation to one another.GC 46.3 The gospel is a message of peace that when received and obeyed brings harmony and happiness, yet also provokes hatred and strife because its principles oppose the sinful habits and desires of the world under Satan's control.GC 46.3 By coming to earth in human nature Christ bridged the gulf between heaven and earth so humanity can understand God's character and purpose, revealing the Father through the Son as Prince of Peace who reconciles man to God by making him understand his relation to the Father.ST Jul 14, 1909 That union with God unites man with fellow man, teaching him to see the poor, oppressed and suffering as bought by Christ's blood and valued as God's property, and to right every wrong between man and fellow man.ST Jul 14, 1909