1:212 Peter 1:21

Prophecy never came by human will, choice, wisdom or private invention, but holy men of God spoke and wrote as they were moved by the Holy Ghost, so its message is from God and divine in origin.STE 152.2+2 God gave that truth through human agents whom the Spirit Himself qualified, guiding their minds and filling them with divine thoughts while leaving their individuality, experience and manner of expression, so the Word is fully God's expressed in human language.GC vi.4+4 Because of this origin the Bible is the inspired revelation of God's will and voice, a sure word that stands fast forever, consistent with itself and its own interpreter, profitable in every part and to be believed as written.3MR 88.1–89.1+4 The same Spirit who moved holy men to speak must move upon the reader's heart for the Word to be understood savingly, requiring humble, prayerful, diligent study that compares Scripture with Scripture rather than twisting it to fit human ideas.Ms 4, 1896, par. 1–3+4 That Spirit-moved speaking belongs not only to holy men of old but to believers now, who may proclaim the living message with confidence and authority because it did not originate in human will.Lt 27, 1894, par. 38–40+4

Prophecy never came at any time by the will of man, by human choice or wisdom, or by private invention and interpretation, but holy men of God spoke and wrote as they were moved by the Holy Ghost, so the prophetic message of Scripture is from God and divine in origin.STE 152.2+4 It is therefore a sure word and the voice of God, to be searched for oneself rather than resting on human teachers or feelings.3MR 88.1–89.1 Its source is not a product of human invention but God speaking, standing against deception.Lt 374, 1907, par. 30–32+1

After transgression cut the human race off from the open communion with God that Adam had before sin, the plan of redemption opened a way for inhabitants of earth to still have connection with heaven.GC88 c.2+1 God communicates with men by His Spirit and imparts divine light to the world through revelations to His chosen servants.GC88 c.2+1

The verse stands in Peter's testimony that prophecy is a more sure word, not cunningly devised fables or private interpretation.Ms 41, 1908, par. 25–27+2 That certainty is grounded in eyewitness of the power and coming of Christ and His majesty, and in hearing the voice from the excellent glory on the holy mount declaring the beloved Son in whom He is well pleased.Ms 41, 1908, par. 25–27+2 It is to be heeded as a light shining in a dark place until the day dawn and the day star arise in the heart, confirming and anchoring hope.Ms 41, 1908, par. 25–27+3 Because its origin is God speaking, who Himself is light with no darkness at all, it stands fast forever.Ms 125, 1901, par. 19–20

Peter wrote by the Holy Spirit's prompting to the church, including those who had obtained like precious faith according to God's foreknowledge and those chosen according to His foreknowledge.Ms 41, 1908, par. 25–27+2 He presented present truth to put believers always in remembrance and to stir them up while in the tabernacle.Ms 41, 1908, par. 25–27+1 He did this knowing he must shortly put it off as Christ showed him, and so that it would be kept in remembrance after his decease, repeating the evidences of the Word.Ms 41, 1908, par. 25–27+1

The chapter containing the verse gives assurance, comfort, encouragement, and advancement to the true believer.Ms 34, 1900, par. 25–28+2 Believers may know God by doing His Word and may grow in godly character by adding the listed graces to faith.Ms 34, 1900, par. 25–28 Advancement is gained by working on the plan of addition by adding daily to the store of the knowledge of God and of Christ, with God working on the plan of multiplication, and by working out its sum of addition grace by grace until doers are victors at last.Ms 154, 1907, par. 17–22+1 When its truths fill heart and mind they give strength to resist every temptation to look on the dark side of circumstances and to speak discouragement.Lt 18, 1912, par. 2–3 Taking heed to this word belongs to fitting for immortality and for the glory to be revealed at the revelation of Jesus Christ, requiring carefulness at every step, securing everlasting life made possible because Christ gave His life and leads as Captain of salvation until victory is gained.Ms 79, 1912, par. 6–8+1

The whole passage from the start of the chapter is for every man to bring himself into order and to walk carefully before God to honor and fear Him and glorify His holy name.Lt 189, 1909, par. 30–31 This applies at a time when professed people have pursued a course displeasing to the Lord, have shown human perversity while claiming to be God's people, and have had unsanctified leaders taking no interest in the Lord's working.Lt 189, 1909, par. 30–31 It is to be studied carefully verse by verse, with the Lord impressing the mind, showing right relation to His work in sanitariums and toward those connected with this work, calling to seek the Lord and walk in all humility of mind before Him as a caution to be heeded.Lt 15, 1902, par. 12

Scripture was given progressively piece by piece across successive generations, at different times and places as God provided fitting opportunities to impress people.Ms 24, 1886, par. 4 Its teaching unfolded like a plant growing from blade to ear to full grain.Ms 24, 1886, par. 4 Over a long span of time God's will and purposes were recorded in history, chapters, psalms, proverbs, and visions.Lt 47, 1886, par. 13–14+1 The Bible's history took about fifteen hundred years, from Moses beginning Genesis in the wilderness while reflecting on God's dealings with Israel's fathers and promises to their descendants, to John completing Revelation.PP 251.1+2

God communicates truth to the world through human agents whom He Himself qualifies and enables by the Holy Spirit, guiding the mind in choosing what to speak and what to write, so that although the treasure is entrusted to earthen vessels and conveyed through imperfect human language, it is nonetheless from heaven and is the testimony of God in which the obedient believing child beholds divine power full of grace and truth.GC vi.4+1 The Spirit moves the writers themselves and fills them with divine thoughts, rather than prophecy arising by human will alone.Ms 24, 1886, par. 9–10

The Holy Spirit taught the writers what truths to record and in what words to express God's will, giving both the ideas from God and the language to clothe them, so the Bible expresses the mind and will of God and stands as a perfect rule of faith and practice and guide and counselor.Lt 162, 1903, par. 11+1 Because the Spirit directed and impressed the writers, each word carries force, and to change a word can damage its meaning and lesson.Ms 40, 1900, par. 12–13 As such the Bible is the textbook and Counselor containing the very leaves of the tree of life and expressing the will and character of God.Ms 165, 1899, par. 40–42

Inspiration joins the divine mind and will with the human mind and will without dictating expressions in God's own style, for the writers' own minds, experience, power of perception, rank, occupation, and forms of expression shape the words, so their words are God's Word expressed in human language.Ms 24, 1886, par. 9–10+1 Differences in human understanding and the tendency to evade truth can lead readers to interpret to suit themselves, so conflicting interpretations and difficulty lie in readers rather than in the Bible, as when opposing lawyers apply the same statute differently.Ms 24, 1886, par. 3

The Spirit inspires without extinguishing individuality, leaving John John and Matthew Matthew, each guided to present truth as most forcibly impressed on his own mind according to experience and power of perception and appreciation.GC vi.2–3+2 Thus the same truth may be presented more strikingly by one than by another, and different writers present a subject under varied aspects and relations that unite into a perfect whole adapted to meet human needs in all circumstances and experiences of life.GC vi.2–3+1 What appears as discrepancy or contradiction to the superficial, careless, or prejudiced reader is underlying harmony to the thoughtful reverent student, for distinct expressions can remain harmonious and free of contradiction and their distinct perspectives are valuable.GC vi.2–3+1

Christ Himself by His Spirit and divine power inspired the prophets, patriarchs, and holy men of old, communicating truth to them and guiding the pens of the sacred historians to present the record of His sayings and works, and His voice speaks through them from Adam to the end of time.3SP 209.1–210.1+2 His teaching brings their Spirit-given message to light, clearing away human opinions and traditions that obscured it.ST Mar 26, 1896 Prophecy written by those moved by the Holy Spirit and not produced by human will was fulfilled exactly in Jesus' life, mission, rejection, humiliation, suffering, death, and resurrection, and careful study and comparison of Scripture makes seemingly unclear passages understandable, whereas interpreting prophecy to fit personal ambitions, distorted ideas, and human opinions caused failure to recognize Him.3SP 209.1–210.1+1 Jesus' own understanding of truth and power to resist temptation were proportionate to His conformity to the word He had inspired.FE 440.1+1

Moses wrote Genesis under the Spirit's guidance while in the wilderness reflecting on God's dealings with Israel's fathers and promises to their descendants.PP 251.1 His account of creation carries divine authority and is not to be rejected on the basis of human theories or judged by unreliable human knowledge, for rightly understood truth in nature and revelation agrees.CE 193.2–3+1 Words about creation are received by faith in God's creative power through Christ, since reasoning alone cannot explain creation or convince of this truth.3MR 337.2

Jacob's final words were not merely expressions of his own feelings, for the spirit of prophecy lifted his mind above natural affections so that under inspiration he spoke truth including painful truth.SG3 172.2 Enoch shows a true prophet speaking as moved by the Holy Ghost not in trance or vision apart from life but in all daily duties in family and among men as husband and father, friend and citizen, and steadfast servant with heart in harmony with God's will.RH Apr 15, 1909+1 Such a prophet teaches truth and lives truth with character harmonious with the greatness and sacredness of the mission, a light amid moral darkness and pattern of obedience that denounces the world's wickedness.RH Apr 15, 1909+1 That obedient life demonstrates to the universe the falsity of Satan's charge that men cannot keep God's law, giving evidence that though man has sinned he can so relate to God as to have the mind and Spirit of God, receive His mind and Spirit, represent Christ, obey all God's law, and keep the law that Satan refused, Adam transgressed, and Abel obeyed.RH Apr 15, 1909+2

The prophets searched to understand what the Spirit of God within them signified, yet the Spirit was not poured out in power until Jesus was glorified, with the fuller outpouring from Pentecost onward upon sons and daughters and upon servants and handmaids.Ms 148, 1899, par. 7–8+1 Daniel and Revelation especially show the Spirit shaping both the giving of prophecy and the events portrayed, to teach that the human agent is to be kept out of sight, hid in Christ, while the Lord God of heaven and His law are exalted.Ms 142, 1901, par. 4 Therefore attention is to be called to what prophets and apostles wrote under inspiration rather than dwelling much on the Roman power and the Papacy, and those books need closer study than ever before.Ms 142, 1901, par. 4

The apostles wrote at the dictation of the Holy Spirit, so the Bible is of divine origin, the foundation of the Christian's hope, the light revealing the way to heaven, and the Book that is to judge Satan and his followers.4SP 374.2–375.1+2 The same imparted Spirit enabled the disciples to stand firmly against every species of idolatry and to exalt the Lord alone, and guided the pens of the sacred historians that the record of Christ's words and works might be given to the world.GW 286.2+1 That Spirit constantly draws attention to the sacrifice on Calvary, unfolds God's love, opens to the convicted soul the precious things of Scripture and to darkened minds the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness, presents the moral standard of righteousness, convinces of sin, produces godly repentance, inspires faith in the only Savior from sin, and works to transform character by withdrawing affections from temporal perishable things, imbuing desire for the immortal inheritance, and recreating, refining, and sanctifying human agents as members of the royal family and children of the heavenly King.GW 286.2+1

The writers under the Spirit's moving recorded literal truth and authentic histories, including the faults and sins of Bible characters rather than hiding human weakness, to teach and warn later readers against wrongdoing.4T 9.1–2+1 Their spiritual experiences were genuine work of the Holy Spirit, not merely effects of mesmerism or Satanic deception.LSEGW 88.3

God teaches and moves more than one mind and not just one person, and those taught by God are to speak as He gives utterance and write as He directs while remaining open to kind counsel and caution from brethren.Lt 53, 1894, par. 22–25 Messages and books faithfully written when the Spirit specially moves a person to write bear witness to their character, and helpers may correct grammar and remove needless repetition without changing meaning.Lt 225, 1906, par. 4–7+1

Writing about inspired things is to be undertaken only when the Lord moves a person by His Spirit and not on one's own, for writing about inspiration without that moving may look like light yet lead many souls astray and become a savor of death.7MR 382.1 The pioneers' words spoken under the Holy Spirit's influence and not merely by human initiative contain truth and power and should be reproduced to keep foundational truths before the people.RH May 25, 1905

The Bible is the inspired revelation of God's will and voice, a divine book of divine origin and not an uninspired human book, with no part less inspired than another and all portions profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness.4SP 204.1–205.1+3 It is consistent with itself and its own interpreter, adapted to human understanding because given for instruction, so that what is obscure in one place is explained by comparison of Scripture with Scripture and every word has its proper bearing in a system of revealed truths so clear that the wayfaring man though a fool need not err therein.4SP 204.1–205.1+1 It is to be studied methodically with earnest prayer for divine enlightenment, and was written for learning that through patience and comfort of the Scriptures hope may be had.4SP 204.1–205.1 Because prophecy and Scripture never came at any time by the will of man but by holy men moved by the Holy Ghost, the whole Bible including its chronological portions and prophetic periods extending to the second coming of Christ is divinely inspired and profitable.GC88 324.1+1 Those time prophecies are as much a portion of the Word of God as any other Scripture and as much entitled to serious consideration, being what God in mercy saw fit to reveal about the times before appointed, so no one has a right to pass them over but must endeavor to comprehend them.GC88 324.1+1

Scripture is therefore a sure word standing fast forever, the voice of God that cannot fail, giving no uncertain sound but speaking with definiteness and authority, never hesitating and never doubting, a sure light to be heeded in obedience rather than exchanging it for human invention.3MR 88.1–89.1+4 It is bright, self-teaching, and self-disclosing, illumining the soul with all salvation and grace and comfort in God, and when a person gives himself wholly to it and asks God for light it becomes much easier to understand.GC88 173.3 Its God-given origin answers ingenious higher critics who would invalidate it, for God Himself is light with no darkness at all and is the greater Higher Critic, so to defend higher criticism and make light of full inspiration is infidelity that explains weakness and lack of success in spreading its truth.Ms 125, 1901, par. 19–20+1 That divine origin makes the Bible the foundation of the Christian's hope and the bright light revealing the way to heaven, and the Book that is to judge Satan and his followers.4SP 374.2–375.1+2 Lying spirits personating the dead apostles contradict what the apostles wrote at the dictation of the Holy Spirit and deny the divine origin of the Bible, thereby tearing away the foundation of hope and putting out the light to heaven.4SP 374.2–375.1+1 They seek to put that judging Book in the shade and cast it aside as mere fiction or as a book suited only to the infancy of the race to be lightly regarded as obsolete, holding out spiritual manifestations in its place in order to put them wholly under Satan's control.GC88 557.2+1

Its authority comes from the eternal God alone, not from princes, church teachers, the church, the pope, human learning, or human authority, and neither party is to be believed farther than the Word teaches.GC88 93.1+1 Turning from human authority to the Word liberates conscience and intellect and becomes a source of blessing flowing down the ages like the water of life.GC88 93.1 Believers must therefore search Scripture for themselves and rely on its plain declarations rather than on feelings or teachers' assertions.3MR 88.1–89.1+1 God gave His Word in written form rather than leaving it to be preserved in human memory and handed down by oral transmission and traditional unfolding, which would have let men gradually add uninspired material and require receiving what is not inspired.6MR 176.1+1 Because it is inspired and written, the Bible is certain and unchangeable from everlasting to everlasting while fathers disagree and commentaries collide, in language plain enough that no one need stumble, so fathers, commentaries, ministers, and learned men are to be passed by as guides and every man, woman, and child must read and search the Scriptures for themselves, learning of God out of His Word and in knowing Him thus finding life eternal.6MR 176.1+1

God's Word is to be believed as written without being altered to fit human theories, to guide the Christian life as written, with the truths of the Old and New Testaments forming a complete whole that provides what can be known with certainty about God and Christ.9MR 300.1–3 It must be maintained religiously and zealously as the reliable Word of the Lord that cannot be changed into an unreliable production, with no forgery to be brought in as the Word of the Lord, a stand needed when professedly religious men are pretense as far as the sacred Scriptures are concerned.Ms 88, 1910, par. 2 The Holy Spirit who moved holy men to speak is the Bible's only interpreter and Author, never contrary to Himself, so where one place is obscure the same Spirit explains it more clearly in other places and no doubt can remain except to those obstinately ignorant.GC88 93.1+1 That Spirit is present in the Word to bring its truth to light and make its words clear and fitting for each occasion as God speaking to the soul, and the Scriptures are not to be twisted to support human ideas, sentiments, or schemes.GC88 173.3+2 The Holy Spirit inspired Scripture and always leads people to it, so claims of spiritual guidance and inspiration must be tested by the written Word: true inspiration agrees with the Bible and is in harmony with it and does not lead away from God's Word, while claims that contradict Scripture or lead away from it come from another spirit.Ms 62, 1893, par. 1–2+2 The apostles' Spirit-given writings therefore carry divine authority and cannot rightly be made to contradict themselves, so claims that they later taught otherwise or corrupted their teaching are lies serving deception and meant to make people doubt the Bible and undermine its divine origin.EW 224.3–225.2+1 Prophecy was one way God communicated with people, and the spirit of prophecy marked the great crises in the church's experience and the transitions between dispensations.PP xiv.4–xvi.1

Old Testament prophecy about Christ did not arise from human will but as holy men spoke when moved by the Holy Spirit, and Christ Himself spoke through the prophets and patriarchs. 3SP 208.3+4 Those inspired writings foretold His life, mission, rejection, humiliation, suffering, death, and resurrection, and every prophecy concerning the Messiah was fulfilled exactly in Jesus' life and death. 3SP 208.3+4 That exact fulfillment settles His identity as the risen Redeemer and gives those writings lasting importance and authority as the precious mine of truth to which Jesus and the apostles directed minds rather than depending on miracles alone to persuade. 6RED 27.2+1 Understanding those prophecies correctly reveals that His trial and crucifixion fulfilled God's plan rather than destroying hope. 6RED 28.2–3

Passages that seem dark become clear through careful study and comparison of Scripture with Scripture on the same subject, for the Old and New Testaments are in harmony. ST Sep 19, 1878+2 Such careful search of prophecy would have shown the Jews that Jesus was the predicted Messiah. 3SP 209.1–210.1+1 They failed to recognize Him because they interpreted the prophecies to fit their own ambitions, distorted ideas, and human opinions. 3SP 209.1–210.1+1

Prophecy in God's Word gives a reliable sequence of events across the ages, and its fulfilled predictions are recorded in history. AA 11.2–3+1 It therefore identifies the present time and assures that what is still to come will be fulfilled in order. PK 536.2–3 The Spirit who inspired the prophets foretold what would happen and foresaw the events that opposed and tested the church, and their declarations were fulfilled. AA 11.2–3 Prophetic words are also fulfilled in events involving God's enemies, making those enemies living evidence that God's Word is true. Lt 44, 1894, par. 17

Ancient prophecy came as the Holy Spirit directed holy men, and its truths appear deeper and surer, firm as the eternal throne, as the light presented by the Holy Spirit through consecrated servants is more fully accepted. 17MR 19.1–3 It fulfills line upon line, with Revelation supplementing Daniel, and Daniel is more clearly understood by standing firmly under the banner of the third angel's message. 17MR 19.1–3 These prophetic messages were given not for those who uttered them but for those living amid the scenes of their fulfillment, and men must themselves be under the influence of the Holy Spirit in order to understand the Spirit's utterances through the prophets. 17MR 19.1–3 The inspired New Testament, written by holy men as they were moved by the Spirit of God, is an additional blessing given not so the Old Testament might be cast aside but so its light might be reflected back into past ages, giving significance to the whole Jewish economy. 21MR 44.1–2 The directions for practical holiness given to ancient Israel by Jesus Christ as its invisible Leader are full of marrow and fatness and must enter the life of everyone who claims to be a Christian through practical obedience, and Christ's work as substitute for all sin was the only hope of ancient Israel before the plan of God was fulfilled in His death. 21MR 44.1–2

The true prophetic word, which came not by the will of man but as holy men of God spoke moved by the Holy Ghost, stands opposed to false prophets who were also among the people and false teachers who shall arise among believers. Lt 212, 1903, par. 21 They secretly bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring swift destruction upon themselves. Lt 212, 1903, par. 21 Many follow their pernicious ways so that the truth is evil spoken of, and through covetousness they exploit people with feigned words. Lt 212, 1903, par. 21

The same Spirit who moved holy men to speak must also move upon the heart of the reader, for without His help the Word cannot be understood savingly and its truth cannot be recognized.ST Jun 7, 1883+2 He is indispensable to understanding what He inspired, present in the Word to bring its truth to light and to make its words clear and fitting for each occasion as God speaking to the soul.ST Jun 7, 1883+1 His influence is needed to understand the prophets, whose messages were given not only for their own time but for those living amid their fulfillment, so that as Spirit-given light is accepted ancient prophecy grows clearer, deeper, more certain and more sure, firm as the eternal throne, fulfilling line upon line.Ms 32, 1896, par. 38–39+1 Men must themselves be under the Holy Spirit's influence to understand the Spirit's utterances through the prophets, with Daniel made more clearly understood where Revelation supplements Daniel and where believers stand firmly under the banner of the third angel's message.17MR 19.1–3

For this reason Scripture is to be studied humbly and faithfully, reverently and prayerfully, methodically and diligently, with confidence in its authority, with consecration and heaven's light, and with earnest prayer for divine enlightenment, and its truth is to be put into practice.4SP 204.1–205.1+2 Understanding its treasures requires consecration, diligent study and heaven's light rather than being brought forth by human devising or strength.Lt 188, 1906, par. 6 Dependence must be far less upon men and authors and wholly upon the Word of the living God with heart and mind and soul, and that dependence opens the channel of communication so the inspiration of the Holy Spirit is given.Ms 96, 1898, par. 11–14

It must be approached with an open honest heart and studied by comparing Scripture with Scripture, since it is not of private interpretation but a sure light to be heeded.Ms 4, 1896, par. 1–3 What is obscure in one place the same Holy Ghost who never is contrary to Himself explains more clearly in other places, so that every word has its proper bearing and no doubt need remain except to those obstinately ignorant.4SP 204.1–205.1+1 It is not to be twisted to support human ideas, sentiments, schemes, preconceived ideas or prejudices, and neither party in dispute is to be believed farther than the Word teaches.Ms 4, 1896, par. 1–3+2 Given by revelation for instruction and adapted to understanding, it is a system of revealed truths so clearly and simply given that the wayfaring man though a fool need not err therein, profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness, and written for learning that through patience and comfort hope may be had.4SP 204.1–205.1

Difficulty lies not in the Bible but in its readers, for differences in human understanding and the tendency to evade truth lead people to interpret it to suit themselves.Ms 24, 1886, par. 3 Like opposing lawyers applying the same statute in different ways, they draw conflicting interpretations from the same words, though the writers expressed Scripture in human language under the Holy Spirit.Ms 24, 1886, par. 3 In itself the Word is plain and bright, self-teaching and self-disclosing, and it cannot fail.GC88 250.4–251.2+1 When a person gives himself wholly to the Scriptures and asks God for light, they become much easier to understand, illumining the soul with all salvation and grace, comforting it in God, humbling it until it loses itself, and embracing God.GC88 173.3

Obedience to the Word and to the Spirit of truth brings sanctification and the unity Christ prayed for, as the Holy Spirit opens more clearly to believers the truth inspired men wrote.GW92 391.1–2 Believing the Word as Spirit-inspired involves receiving the Spirit who inspired it, who gives insight into heavenly truths beyond ordinary sight, and obedience to the Word brings assurance and confidence in God.Ms 127, 1899, par. 44 Personal knowledge of the One who inspired Scripture substantiates faith in it, and even those young in years can understand it, including difficult passages, when they study with prayerful earnestness and seek God for understanding.Ms 143, 1907, par. 16 Then light shines from the sacred page to establish the foundation of faith in the heart and anchor believers within the veil, so that when every species of error is later met nothing can shake confidence, and knowledge of Scripture becomes mighty power for good in laboring for souls.Ms 143, 1907, par. 16 Those who hold to the faith once delivered to prophets and holy men who spoke as moved by the Holy Ghost will not be led into false paths and will not deny it.Lt 3, 1897, par. 25–27

Holy men in old times spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost, and such Spirit-moved teaching with earnestness and power to awaken people and prepare them for Christ's return may be expected in the present day.Lt 27, 1894, par. 38–40+1 A living message for perishing people must likewise be inspired by the Holy Ghost.Ms 17, 1897, par. 17–18+1 The same divine inspiration is needed for the living message that Christians carry to others.STMW10 23.1

Speaking under the moving of the Holy Spirit belongs not only to holy men of old but to believers now when the channel of communication is unobstructed.Ms 96, 1898, par. 11–14 Depending far less on men and authors and depending on the Word of the living God with heart and mind and soul opens that channel, gives the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and produces speech moved by the Holy Spirit that knows the way to the city of God is no funeral march.Ms 96, 1898, par. 11–14 The Spirit can move even children to proclaim the truth for their time when adults fail to present it simply.CNA 128.3–4 In persecution God's messengers speak words that are not their own but His who bade them speak, for God's Spirit moves upon their hearts and puts the truth into them and constrains them to speak with holy zeal and strong divine impulse, without coldly calculating consequences and without consulting temporal interests, reputation, or life.GC 608.3 When faith is tried by opposition and reproach and fierce temptation and threat of destruction, and the work seems beyond ability and enthusiasm is gone and there is no turning back, feeling utter helplessness they flee to God for strength, remembering they could not forbear to proclaim what He gave them.GC 608.3

Words spoken under the Spirit's direction come from God rather than human ability alone, and the most good is not produced by depth of reasoning, for the world by human wisdom knew not God.Lt 56, 1903, par. 1+1 The Spirit can give fitting words even to people thought to be uneducated, and such speech is heavenly eloquence, not merely worldly oratory, able to awaken conviction in hearers.Lt 123, 1905, par. 8 No message is to be presented as divine truth unless it is given by the Holy Spirit, for prophecy did not originate in human will.Ms 70, 1901, par. 28–30+1 A message not inspired by the Spirit has no divine credentials and must be countered and rejected, not invented or mixed with error, while teaching gives the pure eternal truths of God's Word.Ms 70, 1901, par. 28–30+1

God's servants spoke under the moving of the Holy Ghost, so their instructions and admonitions are to be heeded rather than replaced by guidance from those whose wisdom serves worldly advantage.Lt 14, 1884, par. 21–22 Effective service bringing others the remedy for sin requires first being moved and directed by the Holy Spirit, placing oneself under God's direction and seeking His will from infinite wisdom rather than acting on human guidance alone.CH 569.1 Ministers' sermons were to be inspired by the Holy Ghost, not by intoxicating or stimulating substances, in contrast to tea's artificial stimulation.HTL5 75.2–76.1 Because prophecy did not originate in human will but came through holy people moved by the Holy Spirit, God's people can speak with confidence and authority about the Lord's message.Ms 43, 1896, par. 6–8

Great and earnest work is called for because the world is fast ripening for the closing up of its history, and those truly serving the Lord Jesus will be a holy sanctified people communicating the light of truth to all around them.Ms 140, 1908, par. 6–9 The Word of God is the lesson book for Christian life, to be carried out under the controlling influence of the Holy Spirit so people retain individuality while acting kindly and Christlike without friction.Ms 181, 1907, par. 1–4 Prophecy did not originate in human will, for holy people spoke from God as the Holy Spirit moved them, making the Bible the source of needed comfort and instruction.Ms 222, 1902, par. 5–6 Scripture gives God's rules for holy living, names sins to shun, explains salvation and the way to heaven, and warns of dangers while showing how to escape them.CE 188.2+3 Searching it equips believers to understand these things and to give reasons for hope and faith amid the perils of the last days, sowing precious seeds of Bible truth in the mind to preoccupy the soil and prevent the growth of evil, unto growing in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.CE 188.2+2

The Bible, inspired by God and written through holy men, gives clear and precise guidance for the duties of both young and old and is a perfect standard of character and an infallible guide for life under all circumstances.5T 264.2+2 It is the textbook and Counsellor containing the very leaves of the tree of life, expressing the will and character of God as a perfect rule of faith and practice.Ms 165, 1899, par. 40–42 Following its teachings elevates the mind, softens the heart, improves character, and brings holy joy, peace, and comfort.5T 264.2+1 Jesus Himself inspired holy men to write God's word, and His understanding of truth and power to resist temptation were proportionate to His conformity to that word.FE 440.1+2 Christ Himself inspired the prophets and holy men of old who spoke as moved by the Holy Spirit, speaking only words of pure truth and righteousness, and He was superior to the prophets as Author of eternal salvation and Originator of all they wrote and spoke, leaving in His example a perfect model for faith and practice.Lt 11, 1895, par. 7–12