3:142 Peter 3:14

Those looked for are the dissolving of the present heavens and earth by fervent heat and the promised new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells.Ms 146, 1897, par. 9–10+2 Because they look for this, believers are to live in all holy conduct and godliness, giving diligence to be ready to meet the Lord with the life-record prepared now.Lt 49, 1904, par. 27–28+3 To be found in peace without spot and blameless is to be found at peace with God, pure and morally clean, unspotted from the world and fault-free before God and people.Lt 28, 1901, par. 2–3+3 This is not done in human strength but through Christ, who presents believers faultless by the merits of His sacrifice and righteousness, with grace sufficient to purify the soul by faith working by love.Lt 38, 1893, par. 8–10+3 There is no time to lose in the closing remnant of time, so instead of saying the Lord delays, believers must hold confidence firm to the end, grow in grace and knowledge, and watch and work to hasten His coming.Lt 222, 1906, par. 8–9+4

The things looked for are the coming day of the Lord, when the present heavens pass away, the elements melt and are dissolved with fervent heat, and the earth and its works are burned up, followed by the promised new heavens and new earth wherein dwells righteousness.Ms 146, 1897, par. 9–10+3 That day comes suddenly as a thief, with the heavens passing away with noise and melting with fire, and diligence is required precisely because such dissolution is certain.Lt 49, 1904, par. 27–28+1 Looking for those things means living in all holy conduct and godliness while looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God.Lt 49, 1904, par. 27–28+3 The expectation of the day of God therefore calls for holy conduct and godliness now, with believers found by the Lord at peace, without spot and blameless, pure and faultless.Ms 146, 1897, par. 9–10+4

This looking is a present reality for those living in the close of this earth’s history, the last remnant of time.Lt 175, 1903, par. 18–19+1 It is the time when prophecy is fulfilling, the signs of the times are fulfilling, the end of all things is at hand, and Christ will soon come with power and great glory, so there is no time to lose.Lt 105, 1903, par. 11–14+2 The long delay of His coming is to be counted as salvation, and the Lord’s patience is salvation.Ms 146, 1897, par. 9–10+1 This is the same truth Paul also wrote according to the wisdom given him, and knowing these things beforehand, believers must beware lest they be led away with the error of the wicked and fall from their own steadfastness.AA 536.3

The things looked for include Christ’s promised coming and all it brings, with the time of tarrying almost ended and the eternal world very near.RH Nov 13, 1913+1 They include the call of the sleeping saints from their graves and the gathering of the redeemed, seeing the King in His beauty, having all tears wiped away, being presented faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, having God dwell with men, lifting the head because redemption draws nigh, going forth to meet the Bridegroom, being as the wife made ready for the marriage of the Lamb and as those called, chosen and faithful, and returning to Zion with songs and everlasting joy where sorrow and sighing flee away.RH Nov 13, 1913+1 That promise is sure though long delayed, so believers must not grow weary, lose faith, think the city far off, or say the Lord delays His coming.17MR 346.4–347.2+2 The chapter warns about men who caused trouble in the early church, with similar conditions to be faced now.Lt 48, 1910, par. 13–15 Christ’s coming is a great solemn subject, and when set forth it draws deep interest and tears and reaches men of high standing and honorable women not a few.Ms 35, 1887, par. 9–10

Because they look for His appearing, believers must give diligence to be ready to meet the Lord, with the heart prepared and the life-record ready now.Ms 66, 1886, par. 2–3+2 That readiness is not neglected but faithfully kept, for those awaiting the events of His return must be prepared to stand blameless before God on the day of judgment.RH Jul 14, 1903+2 To be found in peace is to be found at peace with God and with Him, strengthened, settled and established.Lt 28, 1901, par. 2–3 It brings happiness and true enjoyment of the Sabbaths.Lt 22, 1897, par. 22

Without spot and blameless means pure, morally clean, untainted, without stain or blemish, and fault-free.Ms 12, 1888, par. 16+1 It calls for keeping unspotted from the world so as to stand without spot before the Judge of the whole earth, and for overcoming particular faults of character to be found without spot and blameless before God and people.Ms 12, 1888, par. 16+1 God tests and proves His people, and some will fail that test and come short of everlasting life.Ms 8, 1867, par. 1–2 That keeping is by consecration to God and earnest prayer to be kept by His power through faith, fastening hold upon God in humble prayer and dependent trust.Lt 23, 1871, par. 14 It is by purifying the soul through obeying the truth and partaking of the divine nature having escaped the corruption in the world through lust, leaving troubles in God's hands and resting in His loving arms, and waiting patiently in the furnace of trial until Christ's image is reflected and He brings out the victorious purified as gold.Lt 23, 1871, par. 14

Those who look for the new heavens and new earth must hold the beginning of their confidence without wavering firm unto the end, so they may be represented in the heavenly courts with the pleasure of Jesus Christ and be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless.Lt 222, 1906, par. 8–9 The long delay of His coming is to be counted as salvation, the same truth Paul wrote according to the wisdom given him.AA 536.3 Knowing these things beforehand, believers must beware lest they be led away with the error of the wicked and fall from their own steadfastness, and instead must grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.AA 536.3

Being without spot before God is the condition for receiving the seal of God upon the forehead.CET 191.2 No impure, ambitious, world-loving person and no person of false tongue or deceitful heart will receive that seal.CET 191.2 All who receive the seal are without spot as candidates for heaven.CET 191.2 Diligence therefore includes searching the Scriptures for oneself to understand the fearful solemnity of the present hour, awakening to the time, exercising all energy of character to improve, and cherishing the attributes of Jesus Christ, which raises to higher positions of trust.CET 191.2+1

Christ is able to present believers before the Father without spot and blameless, and this is made possible through the merits of His sacrifice, the protection of His righteousness, and the fullness of His grace, wisdom and power.AA 566.2–567.1 Those who look for this are to long for His righteousness and to be conformed to God's law.AA 566.2–567.1

This is not accomplished in natural ability but through grace given by Jesus Christ, with faith working by love to purify the soul, so that the believer has the mind of Christ and walks even as He walked.Lt 38, 1893, par. 8–10 The soul is diseased, sin-sick and defiled, yet Jesus as the great Physician has the balm of Gilead for all who come to Him to receive a sound, healthy experience.Lt 106a, 1896, par. 44 Being found in peace requires breaking union with the enemy and his works and joining with Jesus Christ to live a pure and holy life that shows what grace can do.Lt 106a, 1896, par. 44

Believers must not rely on their own righteousness but trust in God and have the righteousness of Christ, for salvation comes only through His merits.Lt 94, 1903, par. 2+1 God provides grace sufficient for them to be complete and lacking in nothing, and Jesus helps those preparing in this way and is the propitiation for their sins, shedding His blood for them.AAP 4.3+1 The wedding garment of readiness does not cover deceit, impurity, corruption or hypocrisy hidden in the heart, for God sees the thoughts and purposes of the heart and no sin can be hidden from Him by mere profession.AAP 4.3

By faith beholding Jesus' character and purity transforms believers into His image and brings them into close harmony with Him.Ms 16, 1884, par. 8 Through earnest watchfulness and prayer in faith their characters are transformed through Jesus Christ so they become morally fit to meet the Lord in peace when He comes.Ms 16, 1884, par. 8+1 Thus they endure faithfully, refusing to dishonor God or receive the mark of the beast, striving with all strength to become like Christ and to cultivate spiritual-mindedness, so that they may overcome and inherit all things.Ms 16, 1884, par. 8

Diligence to be found in peace without spot and blameless belongs to continuing growth in grace and holiness.RH May 6, 1862+1 Even one who is perfect as a Christian keeps increasing in the knowledge and love of God.RH May 6, 1862+1 Perfection is not reached in a moment but through an ongoing life of preparation.RH May 6, 1862+1 That diligence means wrestling for mastery over every sin and checking every impatient, fretful expression.Lt 38, 1893, par. 8–10 Overcoming particular faults and defects of character requires strong effort, constant watchfulness and persevering prayer, with resistance to temptation and following Christ as the perfect overcomer.Lt 38, 1893, par. 8–10+1 God tests and proves His people in this preparation, and some will fail and come short of everlasting life.Ms 8, 1867, par. 1–2

This requires diligent daily work that cannot be done in human strength alone.Lt 2, 1869, par. 3+1 It means not giving up prayer when relief and assurance delay, but taking hold of God's strength without letting go and renewing the warfare against self and Satan every day.Lt 2, 1869, par. 3 It means facing the past, making firm effort to correct every wrong, confessing and forsaking sin, and pleading until prevailing as Jacob did.Lt 2, 1869, par. 3 Constant watchfulness, daily reconversion and complete sanctification of character and powers are essential, since mere profession and expectation are not enough.Lt 2, 1869, par. 3+1 Readiness is inward, guarding heart and character against even the least sin by studying and heeding God's Word and bringing truth into practical life, with the soul adorned by a meek and quiet spirit rather than outward display.Ms 15b, 1886, par. 14

Christ abiding in the heart produces purity, refinement, peace and love that become visible in the life and even in the face.TSSW 21.1 That readiness includes purity and holiness with orderly, cleanly habits, for outward slovenliness is not humility but misrepresents what is within.Lt 23, 1868, par. 6–7 It calls for consecration and earnest prayer to be kept by God's power through faith, purifying the soul by obeying the truth and partaking of the divine nature escaped from worldly corruption.Lt 23, 1871, par. 14 Troubles are to be left in God's hands while waiting patiently in the furnace of trial until Christ's image is reflected, when He brings out the believer victorious and purified as gold.Lt 23, 1871, par. 14 For those worn by age and toil it means quietude, love, peace and restfulness, laying down burdens too heavy to carry such as training youth with tired nerves, giving up insistence on one's own way and impatience and severity, and living love to God and neighbor while entering other doors of usefulness God opens.Lt 63, 1902, par. 8–9

Preparation includes cleansing the appetite and practicing self-denial by giving up unhealthful foods and drinks as part of conversion and sanctification.RH Feb 24, 1910 It requires cleansing from all filthiness of flesh and spirit by taking a firm stand on health reform, giving up tea, coffee, alcohol and tobacco which defile breath and blood, and showing a marked difference from self-servers.Lt 149, 1903, par. 4–5 Unless so cleansed none are ready for His appearing or can enter the mansions prepared for those who love Him.Lt 149, 1903, par. 4–5 Those awaiting Him must avoid the dangers revealed in the church's history of conflict.GC xi.2–3 Diligent present preparation rejects excitement, noise, confusion, jumping, dancing, shouting, falling, visions and strange demonstrations, and rejects claims to be already perfected with holy flesh unable to sin, which dishonor the cause and are Satan's trap to be rebuked and repented of.Ms 39, 1907, par. 12–15 Each has a serious solemn work to cleanse his own soul from spot and stain to stand acquitted before the Son of man, being sanctified through truth and obedience to the Father's will, which He will bless.Lt 30, 1888, par. 22–23+1

Readiness for being found in peace without spot and blameless is vigilant waiting and watching joined with earnest work and a life fully consecrated to God.RH Feb 3, 1903+2 It is solemn watchful preparation for the second coming joined with earnest work to awaken others and help them perfect Christian character.Ms 139, 1899, par. 1 That preparation requires diligently cultivating Christ's attributes in order to meet Him in peace, and growing in faith, truth and righteousness.Lt 119, 1901, par. 9+1

Such diligence bears fruit to God's glory and reproduces the Saviour's character in those who await His return.RP 6.3–7.1+1 This faithful witness spreads the gospel and hastens His coming.STB 837.3–4 When Christ's character is fully reproduced in His people and the gospel harvest is ripe, He will come to claim them.RP 6.3–7.1

Diligence keeps souls in the love of God in holy conduct and godliness by watching and praying and working and waiting, repenting of sins and coming to Jesus.Lt 105, 1903, par. 11–14+1 It sounds earnest warning that the end of all things is at hand, persuading men everywhere to repent and flee from the wrath to come, in season and out of season, because souls are to save or to lose.Lt 105, 1903, par. 11–14+1 It gives the warning of His coming and judgment and reaches the lost.Lt 64a, 1895, par. 2–7 Hearts must not be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness and cares of this life, but believers must watch and pray always so that day does not come unawares as a snare, that they may be counted worthy to escape all these things and to stand before the Son of man.ST Dec 5, 1895

Being without spot means the mind is not engrossed in eating and drinking and marrying and giving in marriage as in Noah's world.19MR 138.2 It means watching for opportunities to help souls, feeling for the young, giving means to send truth far and near and not overlooking souls close by, taking the Bible instead of gossip to give knowledge to precious souls, loving as Christ loved, and not eating the bread of life in silence while souls perish.Ms 35, 1885, par. 16+1 It takes up self-denying labor for souls with Jesus' help, knowing lives must meet their record in judgment and trusting Jesus as the propitiation for sins who shed His blood.Ms 35, 1885, par. 16+1 Since the time of His coming to settle accounts is unknown and individual probation may end in a moment by sudden accidental death closing earthly history without warning, readiness must be present now and the life-record examined today.RH Jul 2, 1901

Being found in peace without spot includes working in the family on right lines and getting down to the root of the matter.Lt 272, 1903, par. 19 It brings truth into the home to sanctify and purify it instead of keeping it in the outer court, admitting Christ into the home to do His work there.Lt 272, 1903, par. 19 It prepares parents and children to unite with the heavenly family and labors for the crown of life as earnestly as worldlings labor for earthly advantage, and this home work gives power to the church.Lt 272, 1903, par. 19

Diligence lives for Bible truth alone, refusing to diminish God and His glory by pleasing human sophistry, and lives in humility and prayer in watchful readiness amid abounding wickedness and crimes that fulfill prophecy about the last days.Lt 220, 1903, par. 46–48 It belongs with earnest humble Scripture study and prayer for wisdom until difficulties become plain through the Holy Spirit's enlightenment, and with searching the Scriptures to understand the fearful solemnity of the present hour.Ms 132, 1898, par. 2–4+1 It trains and consecrates all powers as in the school of the prophets, so that youth and the church use holidays, money, time, zeal and youthful ardor to glorify God in real thorough well-organized efforts to bless others.Lt 49, 1893, par. 1–3

The call is met by choosing Christ over amusement and stubborn self-will and living with eternity in view.Lt 133, 1901, par. 11 It keeps Jesus ever before the mind with cheerfulness rather than sadness, imparts light to others, and puts all energies into preparation, with faith growing stronger though the wait has been long.Lt 94, 1903, par. 2 True preparation is experimental knowledge of Christ by beholding Him so plainly that self ceases to be the all-absorbing center, unlike mere self-sufficient and self-righteous profession which is deceived and does no acceptable work.Lt 91, 1904, par. 15 It comes to Christ, takes His yoke, learns His meekness and lowliness, finds rest of soul in Him, and thus represents His character and lacks nothing should He come today, since outside Him there is no rest.Ms 229, 1902, par. 8–12

There is no time to lose in the close of this earth's history, the last remnant of time when prophecy is fulfilling and Christ will soon come with power and great glory, and none must say the Lord delays His coming or grow indifferent.Lt 105, 1903, par. 11–14+1 Diligence now is keeping souls in the love of God in holy conduct and godliness, watching and praying and working and waiting, repenting of sins and coming to Jesus, and rousing others to immediate preparation by sounding earnest warning that the end of all things is at hand and all must repent and flee from the wrath to come.Lt 105, 1903, par. 11–14+1 Souls are to save or to lose and little is known of what is before us, so the message must be given in season and out of season in earnest words of warning persuading men everywhere.17MR 346.4–347.2 Though the wait has been long, faith is to grow stronger and not become weak while the signs of the times are fulfilling, keeping Jesus ever before the mind with cheerfulness and not sadness, doing all in power to impart light to others and putting all energies into the work of preparation.Lt 94, 1903, par. 2 Seeing Him will be glorious, and salvation comes only through His merits, fitting believers to move from this lower school to the school above.Lt 94, 1903, par. 2

Because His coming is near at hand, a lukewarm neither cold nor hot condition must be left for a fresh new experience of living in holy conduct and godliness while looking for and hastening the day of God.Lt 165, 1903, par. 18–19 The promise of His coming is sure though long delayed, bringing seeing the King in His beauty, the call of sleeping saints from graves, the gathering of the redeemed, having all tears wiped away, being presented faultless with exceeding joy, having God dwell with men, and returning to Zion with songs and everlasting joy where sorrow and sighing flee away.RH Nov 13, 1913+1 The time of tarrying is almost ended and the eternal world is very near, so believers must not grow weary, lose faith, or think the city far off, but live homeward bound in urgent preparation for Christ soon gathering His redeemed to Himself.RH Nov 13, 1913 In the little tarrying time that remains they are to lift the head because redemption draws nigh, to go forth to meet the Bridegroom saying this is the God waited for, to be as the wife that has made herself ready for the marriage of the Lamb and as those called to the marriage supper who are called and chosen and faithful.RH Nov 13, 1913

No one knows when He will come to settle accounts with His servants, and individual probation may end in a moment, since sudden accidental death can close earthly history without warning.RH Jul 2, 1901+1 Readiness must therefore be present now by diligent, self-sacrificing, fully consecrated work that recognizes the sacredness of God's work and submits willingly to His control, with the state of the life-record examined today.RH Jul 2, 1901 Each person must be doing the work God has given and remain ready to meet the Lord in peace.Lt 110, 1900, par. 14 These are conditions of salvation, and whether a person meets them rests on that person's choice to comply with God's requirements, with final salvation not assured in advance.5T 692.2–693.1 The great grand work now is preparing a Christlike people in pure holy character for the time of test and trial before us, with old and young seeking the Lord with all the heart to meet Him in peace and enter the pearly gates of the city of God.Ms 67, 1909, par. 9 Names on church books will never enter the gates unless there is repentance and conversion to become Christlike, with parents and children converted and fathers and mothers aroused to do their duty to stem the current now, for those untrue to covenant have failed their trust to help others to Christ, have not valued eternal things, and are not ready to meet the Lord.Ms 67, 1909, par. 9 One who stands before large congregations carries the burden of souls presented as unready to meet the Lord in peace, knowing he will be brought as before the great white throne to answer for those souls, so the work is entered with fear and trembling lest too many burdens be gathered on the soul.Lt 138, 1902, par. 4

As His coming approaches and the final conflict intensifies, followers must be prepared to stand before Him without spot and blameless, which requires a special endowment of divine grace and power no less than the apostles needed when they carried the gospel to the world.GC ix.4 Because the present heavens and elements will be burned and dissolved with fervent heat and new heavens and a new earth wherein dwells righteousness are looked for according to promise, those who look for such things must be diligent in all holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God.Lt 374, 1907, par. 33–35+1 This is instruction for this time to a people bearing a solemn message to the world, calling them to heed every word, to receive divine inspiration from heaven that alone qualifies finite men to be co-laborers with Christ, and to manifest at all times and in all places His meekness and lowliness.Lt 242, 1906, par. 4–15 It gives courage to keep hoping for life beyond this world even when friends may not meet again in this life.Lt 374, 1907, par. 33–35 Diligent work for eternity is called for because the appearing of the Lord is near and readiness is still lacking, requiring awaking to the time lived in, exercising all energy of character to improve, and cherishing the attributes of Jesus Christ, which raises to higher positions of trust.Lt 22, 1897, par. 22 Each person must be prepared to meet Christ in peace, for His death for every family member must not be in vain.Lt 103, 1898, par. 12–13 Being found in peace brings happiness and true enjoyment of the Sabbaths, and being without spot and blameless means being sanctified through obedience to the will of the heavenly Father.Lt 22, 1897, par. 22