4:13Ephesians 4:13

Christ gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers to perfect His people and build His body until all together come into oneness of faith and knowing His Son as full-grown men and women measured by His own fullness.6T 48.3–4+2 That oneness is not forced by creeds or force but comes by obeying God's law and the faith of Scripture, with differing gifts and minds blended and counseling together under Christ the head.Ms 67, 1907, par. 17+4 These gifts were not for the apostolic age only but continue to the end of time, for the word till points beyond division and apostasy to a last-day gathering into unity and maturity.1SP 13.2–3+4 Growing to that measure is a lifetime work day by day from conversion onward, feeding on Christ and His word by the Spirit, leaving childish instability and sinful traits behind to reflect Him in love, meekness and holy living.8T 176.1+4 There is no stopping place short of His fullness, and all are to keep advancing in grace, knowledge and character until complete in Him and sealed.4T 556.2+4

The gifts of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers were given to equip the saints, carry out ministry and build up the body until all together arrive at oneness of faith and knowing the Son of God, reaching mature manhood gauged by the fullness of Christ.6T 48.3–4+4 That maturing is the intended outcome of perfecting believers and edifying the church, and the gifts are to be actively used to that end rather than left idle.6T 48.3–4+2 Because the goal belongs to the whole body, the church's different lines of work and gifts must be held in balance and connection, with ministry and medical missionary work and other forms of ministry cooperating in one coordinated work instead of separating or eclipsing one another.CH 560.2–3+1 No one is spiritually mature while remaining childish and easily misled by false teaching, but all are to grow in every way toward Christ.8T 176.1

The surrounding chapter calls for keeping the unity of the Spirit through lowliness, meekness, patience and love as one body and one Spirit with one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism and one God and Father above all and through all and in all.Lt 398, 1906, par. 6+1 Grace is given to each according to the measure of Christ's gift, who descended into the lower parts of the earth and ascended far above all heavens to fill all things and led captivity captive.Ms 59, 1902, par. 12–14 Under Christ the head the whole body is fitly joined and held together by what every joint supplies, working effectively in the measure of every part to increase and edify itself in love.21MR 98.6–7+1 Members with different minds, experience and abilities are not to carry the work alone or let one person manage everything and become worn out, but are to counsel and assist one another and supply one another's deficiencies in distinct yet harmonious work, each worker from the lowliest to the most educated having a necessary place.Lt 64, 1902, par. 9–11+2

The perfect man means leaving childishness behind and growing to mature adulthood in Christ rather than carrying unovercome faults forward into later life and religious experience.Ms 38, 1901, par. 4–6+2 Maturity is not mere age, for one advanced in years may still be weak, half-hearted, indecisive and immature in character, devotion, judgment and understanding.5T 264.1 Those who lay hold of Christ's righteousness and follow His example grow into His likeness with greater refinement, perseverance under trial, growth in the graces, meekness under provocation, unselfishness and complete integrity without dishonesty, turning others to Jesus and becoming fit for the heavenly home.5T 264.1+3

The measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ is reckoned according to the knowledge and light received, not by physical size, outward proportions or self-importance.HSP 9.4+2 Work is to correspond to that light and to the measure of Christ's fullness received, and using knowledge and powers in faithful service leads to greater knowledge and power for better work.STBk 87.1+1 The Holy Spirit must open the heart to understand Christ's lessons, bringing surrender of own will and wisdom, learning from Christ, taking His disposition, and putting away suspicion, criticism, temper, pride, distrust and accusation.21MR 231.1–4+1

The passage is to be read most solemnly and impressed on hearers because it means much, calling away from a hard spirit estranged from the Holy Spirit into great reformation of lives, words, works and spiritual understanding, daily breathing heaven's atmosphere with the inspiration of the angels.Lt 60, 1906, par. 8–11 It stands as a warning to every soul calling for faith and works in clear lines, gathering every ray of light that confirms truth, bearing aloft the third angel's message, setting the churches in order, closing the door of unbelief, resisting Satan's increasing seduction that would deceive even the elect, and making straight paths so the weak are not turned aside.Ms 147, 1904, par. 4–6 It shows the work to be done in every church and the goal toward which Spirit-called and Spirit-guided gospel workers preach with the Lord working with them, keeping believers from remaining spiritually childish and unstable before differing teachings.AA 470.1–2+1

The gifts and workings of the Spirit as Comforter and guide into all truth were promised to build up and instruct the church to the end of time through the whole gospel age, not only in apostolic times nor only until Scripture was complete.HSP 4.6+2 They are Heaven's appointed means to bring believers together into unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God unto spiritual maturity measured by the fullness of Christ, to prepare them for the Lord's coming, and to prove that spiritual gifts continue.HSP 4.6+3 The early church knew that unity for a time, but apostasy brought division so the full unity and perfection had not yet been reached, and the word till points beyond the apostasy to a future last-day gathering when those who understand rightly will share one faith, for which the gifts remain needed.EW 111.3–4+2 This goal extends the Spirit's work through the entire history of the church until believers grow together to that measure.HSP 4.6+1

There is no defect in God's plan for saving men through the appointed ministry of the Word for perfecting saints, doing the work of ministry, and building up the body until unity of faith and knowledge unto a perfect man unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.Lt 23a, 1893, par. 10–12+2 When Christ ascended He left His earthly work in the hands of under-shepherds — apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers — as His gifts to men, to communicate the words of eternal life, preach truth, spread knowledge far and near, watch for souls as those who must give account, reprove, rebuke and exhort with patience and doctrine, and labor for the strength and unity of the church while guarding against diversity and division creeping in.ST Jan 7, 1913+2 All the diverse gifts in gospel ministration must work unitedly toward the one end, no one despising other appointed agencies or exalting his own way, but all blended in building on the foundation of apostles and prophets with Christ as chief cornerstone, each doing his distinct part fitly framed together growing into a holy temple in the Lord, with care how to build and heed to the Lord's admonitions.Ms 108, 1899, par. 2–4+1 Camp meetings are one setting for this ministry, and the church is perfected as people teach at different levels step by step, while ministers and people benefited by their labors are all to unite according to ability in saving souls, each filling his proper place in order, harmony and love, diffusive and aggressive as light, salt and leaven, every living Christian in whom Christ abides becoming a selfless worker and channel of light who cannot stay indifferent to perishing sinners.Lt 23a, 1893, par. 10–12+1 If professed believers are not complete in Christ and follow Him afar off, the fault is not in the gospel but in men not being practical receivers of grace and righteousness, and often in human conveyors of truth lacking living connection with God and failing to educate in vital principles, so deficiency in ministry explains in some measure deficiency in churches.Lt 23a, 1893, par. 10–12+1

Believers come to unity of faith and full maturity in Christ not by independent light coming directly from God alone but through those God has appointed and ordained as leaders to lead out, bear responsibilities, and advance and spread truth for the help, encouragement and strength of His people, Christ and His church being inseparable.GW92 266.4 To neglect or despise them and pass them by is to reject God's ordained means, repeating the insubordination by which angels very beautiful and glorious yet dependent on God for happiness, light and intelligence fell through desire for independence, and it leaves a person where deception and overthrow are likely.GW92 266.4 The Spirit of Prophecy is given to bring differing elements into agreement into unity of the faith, its words spoken under the Spirit's power being harmonious, and the third angel's message as it becomes clearer and is received brings churches onto the platform of truth as in Jesus with differences yielding to the Holy Spirit and a united front presented.Ms 131a, 1906, par. 16–18+1 This was seen when disappointed believers after 1844 were brought out of fanaticism and disorder into shared faith by messages supported by strong evidence and revealed power, though similar errors were expected to recur in the last days.Lt 358a, 1908, par. 3+1 Gifts that instead foster suspicion, division, doubt, confusion and scattered teachings do not serve the purpose of bringing unity toward Christ's fullness, in contrast to Sabbath-keepers working together in the third angel's message whose gifts unite them in faith and commend God to unbelievers.SG4 314.2–315.1

That unity and maturity had not been reached in Paul's day, in the primitive and apostolic church already facing apostasy, factions and division, in its wilderness flight, at the Reformation, during the great apostasy, or down to the present.1SP 13.2–3+4 The verse's till therefore points beyond those periods to a future gathering when the whole church shall reach unity in faith and knowledge of the Son of God and grow into maturity measured by Christ's fullness.EW 111.3–4+2 The gifts' purpose remains unfulfilled until the last generation is prepared by the final warning message and whatever other means God uses for translation without death, so the gifts continue through the Christian age, are linked with their proper exercise in preparing those waiting for the second coming, and are revived in the last days to perfect the church for Christ's return.1SP 13.2–3+3

Human creeds and church force cannot secure the unity described, which Christ's gifts alone as ordained means are to effect for perfecting saints, supporting ministry and building up the church until unity in faith.LS 344.1–345.1 That unity through the different gifts and forms of church government God has provided stands opposed to each person independently promoting views contrary to the faith of the body without regard to the body.LS 344.1–345.1+1

Unity of the faith comes by conforming life to obedience to the commandments and law of God, being united in the faith of the Scriptures, and being bound together as one in Christ with lives hid with Christ in God.Ms 67, 1907, par. 17+2 God leads a people out from the world onto the exalted platform of the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus and disciplines them through the diversity of gifts and governments placed in the church until they all come into that unity.Ms 67, 1907, par. 17+1 In that disciplining they cease to be at variance, with one believing one thing and another holding entirely opposite views and each moving independently of the body, and are established on one great platform of clear, connected Bible truth of heavenly origin.3T 446.3–447.1 Such unity forbids taking peculiar views of Bible truth without regard to the opinions of brethren and pressing them upon others, and forbids asserting a right to believe and talk what one pleases without reference to the faith of the body, for that course destroys the harmony that existed between Christ and His Father and fails Christ's prayer that His brethren be one.3T 446.3–447.1+2 Those who come to this unity practice the golden rule, bear a living testimony that the Father loves them even as He loves His Son with powerful influence on the unbelieving world, cooperate as laborers together with God, become partakers of the divine nature having escaped corruption through lust, and by courtesy, unwavering fidelity, justice and mercy magnify the law and make it honorable, demonstrating that the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.Ms 67, 1907, par. 17+1

God is bringing His children into the unity of the faith in these last days, continuing the order that existed in the church when Christ was on earth and that was strictly observed among His apostles after His departure.RH Oct 12, 1905+2 That uniting work makes good gospel order grounded in God's word especially necessary now, for as the Lord unites His people Satan and his evil angels are very busy to undo and destroy this unity.RH Oct 12, 1905+3 Order requires harmonious cooperation with every agency subject to the Holy Spirit, and disorder and unqualified leaders cause confusion and disunity.RH Feb 16, 1911+2 That unity means standing together in the truth and speaking the same things rather than separating into scattered groups with conflicting teachings, and those being brought into it are established in the third angel's message and prepared for Christ's appearing.1T 417.2–419.1 Claims of spiritual gifts or new light do not show arrival at this unity when they produce doubt, confusion and division, for gifts should help unite believers in the faith and show unbelievers that God is with them.1T 417.2–419.1

Coming into unity is shown in lives shaped by Christ's character, with meekness, gentleness, patience and love preserving peace and sharing one spirit and hope, and harmony among people of varied dispositions bears witness that God sent His Son to save sinners.RH Nov 12, 1908 Failure to come into that unity leaves God's people divided and vulnerable to departure from Christ and leaves the church's future in question.STBk 118.1+1 Unity belongs with repentance and return to first love and with embracing the Bible's religion of forgiveness through the merits of the crucified and risen Savior and righteousness by faith in the Son of God.STBk 118.1+2 The life of Christ in the soul and the love imparted by the Holy Spirit alone make believers fruitful in good works and give power to God's message.LSEGW 326.2+2 This unity involves joining with the church body, with those led away by confusion called to return and unite their influence with God's people, joined with purifying the soul through obedience to the truth.Ms 2, 1862, par. 10–13

This unity rests on eternal truth and is advanced as Christ purifies His people from unrighteousness, discord and contention, so they build one another up rather than tear down and unite their efforts in His work.ST May 24, 1883+1 Day by day members are to help one another grow up to full stature as men and women in Christ unto full maturity, and in that mutual edifying work they close the door to the enemy.RCOC 8.1+1 Never tearing one another down belongs to the verse, for tearing down by faultfinding, unkind talk, dissension and strife does Satan's work, the power of speech being a great talent to bless in this growth or a great curse when used to cause division, and those who allow such unchristlike work to go on unrebuked are themselves accountable before God for injury to their brethren.Ms 26, 1886, par. 6–7 Unity does not require agreement on every point of doctrine, for meekness, mutual forbearance and charity can preserve fellowship and a shared work of winning people to Christ.GC88 257.3 Division between medical missionary physicians and gospel workers, with strange walls built up, is contrary to that unity and displeasing to the Lord, and all should study to reach the unity of the faith where truth will bear away the victory on every point.21MR 463.8+1

The verse describes progressive growth that begins with conversion and peace with God through the atonement and moves toward perfection and the full measure of Christ's stature.AA 284.1–2+1 It is not the work of a moment or of a single day, but day by day and step by step, as blade then ear then full corn, from babe to child onward, a continuous lifetime work that is not finished until probation ceases.ST Apr 19, 1910+1 Man in present physical, mental, and moral power stands at a low level compared with what he may become through the merits of Christ, and coming to complete mature manhood means growing up into Christ as the living head through constant conflict with self, in which those with fiery passions fight the hardest battle and gain the most glorious victory and eternal reward.4T 366.3+1 Every professing believer is required so to grow toward Christ's full stature with Christ as living head, becoming mature in character rather than remaining weak, half-hearted, or indecisive, and God desires His workers thus to grow to full manhood and womanhood with vitality shown in words and actions that testifies to the world what Christianity does.5T 264.1+1 This growth includes progress in knowledge and spiritual strength and becoming more firmly rooted and grounded in truth, so that workers who make no decided improvement suffer loss and go backward rather than grow stronger.4T 556.2+1

There is no limit to improvement, but continual progress with no stopping place short of heaven, and spiritual health produces this growth.5T 265.1+1 When God's love is a living principle in the soul it leads to broad views, faithful warnings and reproofs, earnest work, and willingness to bear burdens and accept responsibilities.5T 265.1 Those truly united to Christ grow daily toward full stature as mature men and women in Him and cannot remain spiritually dwarfed, for claiming obedience while disobeying plain requirements is inconsistent, and little growth and little of Christ in the life come from too much self and too little Christ.RH Feb 26, 1901 God's purpose is for His children to grow to full stature by rightly using every power of mind, soul, and body without wasting mental or physical strength, tending upward not by outward forms or rules alone but through Christ's education of the heart and the Spirit's discipline transforming mind, spirit, and character and cultivating Christ's graces.CH 127.2+1 Glorifying God requires constantly aiming at the fullness of Christ's stature as perfection in Christ Jesus, cultivating devotion and piety, letting the graces be and abound, giving the Saviour the best and holiest affections with entire obedience and undivided affections, remaining steadfast amid jeers through evil as well as good report and counting it joy to bear His cross, while those who do not so seek Him fail to perfect holiness.2T 237.1 As believers draw nearer to maturity they increase in knowledge of God, reverence, trust, love, and desire for perfection of character, become more aware of unlikeness to Christ, distrust self more and depend more fully on God, and become a help and blessing to others with firmness in faith and duty joined to kindness, pity, and courtesy.ST Nov 13, 1879

Growth is sustained through the means God provides: feeding on the bread of life, drinking the water of salvation, watching, praying, working, and heeding His Word, while the Holy Spirit gives and sustains life by renewing motives and affections and bringing thoughts into obedience.AA 284.1–2+1 Devotional exercises of meditation, Scripture searching, and prayer increase grace and spiritual vigor and advance believers toward maturity in knowing the Son.RH Mar 29, 1870 This is growth in grace and in knowledge of Jesus Christ toward the measure of His stature, happening day by day as contact with the deep things of God makes the freed and righteousness-seeking more like the Saviour, filled with unselfish love for sinners and delight in His triumphs.TSSW 58.1+2 Every believer has the privilege of advancing, and those who use opportunities to learn and wholly consecrate themselves become strong in Christ, with ever-enlarging understanding of truth and growing reflection of His character as they faithfully do God's work in faith.ACSMHFP 12.2+1

Reaching Christ's measure is shown by revealing His character in holy, loving lives as living, growing Christians.ST Apr 3, 1893 Constant obedience fits the born again for service as God molds the whole being toward physical, mental, and spiritual perfection, freeing from sin's curse of disease and weakness, renewing soul and body through truth by the Spirit, increasing vitality, and enabling powerful communication of truth and successful service.RH Jan 14, 1902 It is a day-by-day process in which steadfast striving to reveal Christ's attributes brings fuller views of His character, work, power, grace, and love, partaking of His nature and growth in Him, with the Spirit's sanctifying work appearing in thought, word, and deed and ministry bringing life and salvation, so that such are complete in Christ.CT 491.2+1 Believers must not remain children in spiritual knowledge but continually grow in wisdom, knowledge of God's will, and appreciation of His love, with Christ formed within and marked change in experience.ST Sep 18, 1901 Attaining mature manhood and womanhood means pressing toward perfection of His character, with the Holy Spirit transforming unto Christlike love, peace, self-renunciation, and conduct even under severe testing, and when God's people reach this mark they are complete in Christ and sealed.RH Jun 10, 1902

Believers grow spiritually through beholding Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit, advancing in grace, strength, and character until reaching Christ's full stature, conformed to His image and freed from sin's curse and effects.ST Mar 13, 1893 This requires knowing God and Jesus Christ, so that parents can make God known to children and help them grow spiritually as well as physically.Ms 67, 1890, par. 15 The Lord wants followers blended mind to mind and heart to heart and in that unity to grow to full maturity, belonging to the preparation of both youth and mature age for service.Ms 22, 1902, par. 8 Such growth requires training and discipline of character, learning Jesus' meekness and lowliness and looking to Him while practicing the virtues, steadiness of purpose, and singleness of heart shown by His example.Ms 65, 1893, par. 6–7 It comes by taking Christian responsibility and faithfully doing God-given duties, bringing more grace, clearer shining of truth from the life, and power to glorify God, whereas taking little responsibility dwarfs religious growth unto spiritual death, while following on to know the Lord brings increased knowledge, blessing to others by Christlike example, a path brighter unto the perfect day, and more decided conversion as vessels unto honor.17MR 303.1–2 This growth is heavenward in grace and in knowing Jesus the living Head, not earthly, with no limit to growth or light received.Ms 7, 1890, par. 5

Those who receive Christ and continue learning of Him grow to full spiritual maturity, being changed from glory to glory into the same image by the Spirit and stamped with divinity as partakers of the divine nature, which is the portion of Jewish people receiving Him as Redeemer.6MR 326.2–327.1+1 The Jewish people are to recognize Christ in the Old Testament, with Old and New Testament Scriptures together awakening understanding and leading to receive Him, and all who continue learning can attain full maturity and likeness.WAJP 9.2–10.2+1 Jews and Gentiles dwelling together in peace, love, and unity through oneness with Christ show this meaning, as belief produces transformation of character, kindness of temper, renewed love to God in and through Jesus, fruit in good works, and partaking of divine nature in disposition, words, and works, reaching with mind, heart, and soul unto holiness and love as children of heavenly birth beholding heavenly things in Christ.Ms 129, 1907, par. 32–37 Those with perfect pardon through faith fight the good fight step by step onward and upward from one degree of conformity to another until reaching the full stature of His likeness, which is from glory to glory and from strength to strength.Lt 51a, 1894, par. 3–4 This growth comes through receiving Christ's righteousness as a free gift, not through works or legal merit, unto the full measure of His character.20MR 155.3–5+1

The shared work that brings all to unity of faith and knowledge of the Son unto mature manhood measured by Christ's fullness requires faithful, plain and consistent teaching of tithing, so people understand God's claim and workers are united in urging obedience to all His requirements.ST Dec 25, 1893+1 Workers learn the lessons of perfecting saints and edifying the body by being much in prayer, coming right to the point in public without long prayers, praying with confidence as the Spirit indites petitions, stating needs with heartfelt simplicity and claiming promises with faith so the congregation learns prevailing prayer, believes the Lord's presence is in the meeting, opens hearts to rich blessing, gains sincere faith and listens willingly to instruction.Ms 127, 1902, par. 16–17 Growth to full stature of men and women in Christ comes by believing the Bible as God's oracles teaching what to do to be saved, by diligent personal study and doing of the Word, and by searching evidences to know truth for oneself instead of taking interpretation from others' lips, for failure here is why handlers of the Word advance so little and change others so little.Lt 20, 1888, par. 8 That growing up unto the measure of Christ's fullness is moral development in knowledge of truth as He revealed it unto more perfect conformity to its exalted standard, by continuing to search Scripture and look to Jesus as Author and Finisher of faith; looking away stops growth and leaves natural traits to rule in criticizing others' faults, judging brethren by human ideals of education and character, and indulging spiritual pride.Lt 48, 1893, par. 4–6 Prayer, attending meetings and seeking heavenly nourishment help believers grow in grace and knowledge of Christ to that maturity.Ms 40, 1890, par. 44–46

New converts reach full stature as men and women in Christ only as faithful teachers teach God's Word so they increase in knowledge and love of truth, and their growth needs influences favorable to it.RH Feb 14, 1907+1 Reaching it requires diligent mental work rather than settling low and superficially satisfied with a sufficient degree of knowledge; loving study must let thought and investigation plow deep to obtain all possible treasures of knowledge.Lt 33, 1886, par. 12 Young men and women grow up into Christ's full stature by intelligent all-round education exercising mental, physical and moral powers proportionately, combining diligent Bible study, review of book knowledge and critical examination of schoolroom advancement with physical exercise, humbly seeking the Lord to open understanding, using knowledge obtained and imparting benefits received, with conscientious methods as essential as faithful doctrines.Lt 76, 1897, par. 11 All grow to full stature by laboring as Christ labored, yoked with Him and working in His lines rather than revealing hereditary and cultivated tendencies, increasing in spirituality and growing in wisdom and knowledge and favor with God and man.17MR 203.1–2 Whoever is connected with Christ may advance and become strong, with no idler in the vineyard; whether farmer, mechanic, teacher or pastor, making most of opportunities and ability to learn all privileged to learn and wholly consecrating to God brings bearing Christ's yoke, unveiling redemption's mysteries, letting His imputed righteousness shine as light, and becoming efficient agents for the heavenly Master.Ms 151, 1897, par. 5–6

Growing to full stature of a man in Christ is by eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of God, which is receiving and believing His words.Ms 41, 1902, par. 22–24+2 Eating and drinking means receiving Him as personal Saviour and looking constantly to Him in daily, hourly faith that works by love and purifies the soul, giving the soul sufficient nourishment, bringing forgiveness of sins and sanctification unto eternal life.Ms 11, 1901, par. 21–22 Returning to the food God gave at the beginning, the fruits and grains produced by the earth, makes the mind clear and fills it with earnest desire for knowledge of the Word, preparing the way for that growth.Ms 41, 1902, par. 22–24+1 Complete maturity as men and women in Christ comes when truth abides in the heart, belonging to a more solemn work of gospel preaching than imagined, calling for earnest thought, uncramped intellect, greater wonders opened with the work's progress, more earnest penetrating vision walking in light, investigation of revelation's mystery where mines of truth open, putting off self-righteousness, reaching loftier heights, seeking Christ's righteousness so God directs the soul and is pleased with efforts, wanting none of self and all of Jesus, receiving the baptism of the Holy Ghost, not shutting off inquiry into truth, searching as for hidden treasure, holding the key of knowledge to open God's treasury of precious gems, and craving the Word with angels beside leading into green pastures.Ms 6, 1888, par. 13 Knowledge of Christ's fullness is richness for the soul, gained by faithfully attending to eternal things and efficiently copying His example in good works with humble contrite heart; playing truant on eternal things, nursing a stinging poisoning feeling to the soul's ruin, and ambitious soaring for worldly show, noise and self-elevation robs the soul of that richness unto daily eternal loss.Lt 1, 1880, par. 4

God's purpose is for His children to grow to full stature of men and women in Christ by rightly using every power of mind, soul and body and wasting no mental or physical strength.RH Feb 24, 1910+1 Observing simplicity in diet supports physical health and spiritual advancement, for health is preserved by obeying not resisting nature's laws, and doing all whether eating or drinking to God's glory includes understanding and living up to light on health reform.RH Feb 24, 1910+1 No one reaches full stature until knowing God and Jesus Christ whom He sent, and this growth cannot be separated from accepting the Christianity Christ approves, which welcomes the poor and makes neither color nor caste a barrier.STA 155.1+2 A Christianity shaped to please higher classes or fine tastes and valuing color or caste while rejecting the gospel Christ accepts does not bring that maturity; prejudice against colored people whom Christ redeemed misrepresents Jesus, reveals selfishness, tradition and prejudice, shows the soul unsanctified through truth, and slighting a person because of color slights Jesus Himself.STA 155.1+1

Growing up to full stature in Christ means teaching truth, living truth, and in character, words and deportment being an honor to His cause, by developing and strengthening every faculty through exercise so workers qualify to bear larger responsibilities as the work increases.GW92 232.1+1 Through His grace the faithful grow toward full measure as greater responsibilities are entrusted, for bearing responsibilities and facing opposing influences give experience that strengthens moral character and spiritual power, while avoiding duties and yielding to ease do not produce it.MYP 301.1+1 Growing to full maturity requires each follower to work individually, for those who do nothing and depend on others lose spiritual life and strength, while workers become strong and efficient.Lt 10, 1872, par. 2–4 Becoming full-grown involves advancing in divine life and growing in knowledge of Jesus, which is hindered when believers do not work with Him; service brings sympathies into closer union with Him as living head, deepens understanding of His work and sacrifice, and teaches valuing people in proportion to the price He paid.SBAWP 13.2

Believers attain full stature of men and women in Christ through active waiting, watching, praying and working in faithful service, obeying God's will and working for others' salvation so character develops after Christ's pattern with His merits enabling harmony with God's plan.Ms 89, 1897, par. 6–10 They must not remain religious dwarfs but press on receiving Christ's counsel with faith working by love purifying the soul, ever growing till complete in Him as He abides with every soul that heartily bids Him come in and desires to follow, overcoming human impatience, fretfulness and pride that loves not humility, taking His yoke, doing nothing He has not done, following His example step by step in the path He marked, and considering His endurance of sinners' contradiction so as not to weary and faint.Ms 147, 1899, par. 20–21 Spiritual growth has no stopping place before heaven but moves onward and upward to higher standard without satisfaction with present moral development, hungering and thirsting for righteousness and seeking sympathy, love, gentleness, kindness and other graces as urgently as bodily food.Lt 1, 1882, par. 76–77 Setting aside nonessential tasks to give more time to what strengthens and settles mind and heart helps this growth toward maturity.Ms 11, 1902, par. 3 Growth toward Christ's fullness is not advanced by concentrating church activity in one center while other fields are neglected, but requires organized effort involving the whole working force where they are.Ms 45, 1895, par. 11–14

Mature manhood means no longer being spiritual children tossed back and forth and carried about by every wind of doctrine through the sleight and cunning craftiness of deceitful men who lie in wait to deceive, but becoming stable and settled so as not to be easily misled by false teaching.8T 176.1+4 It means speaking the truth in love in both word and deed and growing up in every way into Christ the head, from whom the whole body fitly joined and compacted by what every joint supplies, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, makes increase unto the edifying of itself in love.21MR 56.4+4 This perfection of the church depends on the concurrence and harmonious action of manifold instruments and agencies, as with the human body where even the finger, apparently the least important member, when afflicted telegraphs the fact to the brain and the whole body suffers, so every member affects the whole.Ms 1, 1899, par. 1–2+1 The goal is a mature people whose growth measures up to the fullness of Christ, reached as different gifts develop toward maturity while grace brings unity of faith, knowledge of the Son of God, love, and harmonious action.8T 176.1+2

Coming into that unity means no longer walking as Gentiles walk in vanity of mind with darkened understanding, alienated from the life of God through ignorance and blindness of heart and given over to lasciviousness and uncleanness.Ms 59, 1902, par. 15–16+1 It means having learned Christ as the truth is in Jesus, putting off the old man corrupt according to deceitful lusts, being renewed in the spirit of the mind, and putting on the new man created after God in righteousness and true holiness.Ms 59, 1902, par. 15–16+1 That change is shown in putting away lying and speaking truth, being angry and sinning not, laboring honestly to give to the needy, speaking only edifying words that minister grace, grieving not the Holy Spirit by whom believers are sealed unto the day of redemption, putting away bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and evil speaking and malice, and being kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving as God for Christ's sake forgives.Ms 59, 1902, par. 15–16+1 It comes by looking long into the divine mirror of God's Word to see and despise unlikeness to the meek and lowly Saviour, confessing and forsaking sins, and cooperating with Christ to bring hereditary and cultivated tendencies to wrong under the control of the Divine Will so sin does not have dominion, receiving strength to overcome and grace from the Holy Spirit to speak kind, tender, respectful words and show Christlike love in courteous words and kindly deeds.ST Oct 2, 1901+2 It requires cleansing every idol from the soul temple, counting heaven worth everything, fixing the eyes on Jesus the Author and Finisher of faith, pressing toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, making straight paths for the feet, grasping by faith the hand of infinite power in complete consecration of reason, affections, and virtue, and consecrating mind, heart, soul, strength and all powers to God in appreciation of His sacrifice, exercising strict control over spirit, words, habits and practices.20MR 283.4+1

The work to be done in every church calls everyone to a higher standard, with lives revealing love, meekness, longsuffering, and lowliness, for love is the law of Christ's kingdom and longsuffering bears many things without seeking to be avenged by word or act.Lt 185, 1905, par. 19–22+2 Keeping this unity requires walking worthy of the calling with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering forbearing one another in love, keeping the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, each finding the place and work God has given instead of acting like undisciplined, uncontrolled children always out of joint, refusing to insist on having one's own way, and confessing one's own mistakes and errors.Ms 56, 1904, par. 1–2+2 To love God supremely and neighbor as self forms a symmetrical character for the overcomer's reward, producing a precious bond of brother with brother as the Holy Spirit puts away selfishness, self-sufficiency, and self-esteem, each living and acting individually before God while conscientiously giving fellow laborers a place to work without jealousy, evil surmising, or evil-speaking, and encouraging one another.Lt 121, 1898, par. 21–23+1 Love thus binds together against strife, grace perfects differing gifts into harmonious action, and those who grow to full stature rise above murmuring, discontent, and faultfinding.18MR 5.1–6.1+1

Christ invites His people to come to Him to gain strength to grow up into full Christlike maturity as men and women in Christ, leaving behind a cruel spirit of selfishness and acting like quarrelsome children.Ms 168, 1902, par. 7–9+1 Those who refuse to grow remain selfish, quarrelsome, overbearing, criticizing and denunciatory, lacking Christian courtesy, kindness, and tenderness, and He cannot cooperate and work with them.Ms 168, 1902, par. 7–9+1 Reaching the measure means leaving every particle of babyish, childish, pettish and self-willed spirit behind, coming just as one is, throwing the helpless soul upon Jesus, and being born again through a thorough cleansing, refining influence upon mind and character that takes away chaff.Ms 149, 1901, par. 11–13+1 Those who reach it put away disagreeable traits, impetuous words, suspicion, criticism, temper, pride, distrust, and accusing others, using words as talents only for God's glory and the benefit of others, with thorough conversion of soul producing conversion of tongue and lips and the treasure house of the soul full of precious truths from studying Christ's character, in Christlike trust fit for the happy family in heaven.Ms 149, 1901, par. 11–13+1

Coming to maturity happens as workers of different minds, gifts, plans, and methods of labor are united and perfectly harmonious, keeping self out of sight, counseling together and praying together, constantly learning in the school of Christ and improving and making the most of every opportunity until better fitted to present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.Lt 66, 1886, par. 1–3+2 It happens as men of varied talents and abilities work together and counsel with and assist one another, so the deficiency in the experience and abilities of one is supplied by the experience and abilities of another in their relation as members of the body, each doing a distinct part in a structure fitted together.5MR 368.2–3+2 This requires uniting human weakness to Christ's strength and dying to self to live to Christ, following His example in leaving the throne of God and clothing divinity with humanity to show what human beings may become, so strong unchristlike traits are softened, subdued and purified and those united with one another become one with Christ in God.Lt 66, 1886, par. 1–3+1 Believers must press close and help one another rather than work alone for glory, for varied talents joining harmoniously advance God's work, and coming to full stature comes through unselfish care for others rather than absorption in self, caring for the things of others so they prosper and grow in grace and knowledge, readily aiding their advancement by imparting gained knowledge, with interest and prayers reaching far beyond self to embrace the world.Ms 16, 1892, par. 8–11+1 Those who do this grow themselves as they help others, becoming familiar with the largest plans and most stirring enterprises, placing themselves in the divine channel of light and blessing, receiving wisdom from heaven, becoming more identified with Christ in all His plans as living channels of light, with no place for spiritual sloth, stagnation, coldness, or backsliding, keeping eternal realities in view, while those who have not grown need kind, practical help to return to righteousness.Ms 16, 1892, par. 8–11+1

God expects every believer to be transformed in character and to grow up to full maturity by diligently exercising lent talents and improving in habits of thought and action.Lt 107, 1898, par. 18–19+2 Staying below that measure is being spiritually dwarfed and occupying a low level through satisfaction with a haphazard experience and through letting lustful passions, lower passions and baser propensities rule instead of being worked by the Holy Spirit.Lt 107, 1898, par. 18–19 Reaching it is possible through strength Christ gives and requires cleansing and purifying by the washing of the Word, diligence with the talent of time, putting away cheap talking, jesting and joking that eclipse the light and hide Christ, beginning with self-government in the home, and laying aside all malice, guile, hypocrisies, envies, and evil speakings and desiring the sincere milk of the word as newborn babes, not being thoughtless or careless in speech so as to hurt one another by unkind words.Lt 107, 1898, par. 18–19+1 Such growth brings vitality shown by words and actions that testifies to the world what Christianity does for followers, and includes progress in knowledge and spiritual strength and becoming more firmly rooted and grounded in the truth, for workers who make no decided improvement suffer loss and those who do not grow stronger continually go backward.STB 186.4+3 It is reached through self-denial, overcoming envy, pride and malice and developing the Spirit's graces, which prepares for the kingdom and strengthens others.Lt 107, 1898, par. 18–19+1

The verse teaches that no single person is the whole body and no single method is to rule all, for God has arranged a diversity of gifts — apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers — given according to ability to work in fellowship together until all come into unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God unto perfect manhood measured by the fullness of Christ.Ms 12, 1901, par. 23–26+2 Ministers are not to take the whole burden alone but each to stand in his own lot and place in connection with ministering brethren, since different minds compose the body of believers.Ms 12, 1901, par. 23–26+1 No one is to despise other appointed agencies and gifts or exalt his own way as superior, nor separate to keep a few converts to mold after his own ways, nor take any man's ways as perfect to be copied exclusively, for Christ alone is the example.Ms 108, 1899, par. 2–4+1 All are to be blended in building upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Jesus Christ as chief cornerstone, each doing his respective part unitedly, fitly framed together, growing into a holy temple in the Lord, with care how to build and heed to the Lord's admonitions.Ms 108, 1899, par. 2–4+1 Perfect unity must exist in diversity of gifts, and union of all the gifts is essential, with all blending together so the work is not one-sided but a complete whole, no more children tossed by every wind of doctrine but speaking truth in love and growing up into Christ the head, the whole body fitly joined together and edifying itself in love.Lt 121, 1898, par. 21–23+1

Each person has an individual battle no one else can fight and must obtain all the help God has provided for perfection, revealing the love that dwelt in Jesus and loving one another as Christ loved, blending labor with those God has appointed since all do not have the same work, so the body may be complete and harmonious in Christ Jesus.Lt 121, 1898, par. 21–23 No one has wisdom to manage alone or to claim an exclusive field, and the work is not to be overloaded upon a few while others are left without responsibility.Ms 12, 1901, par. 23–26+2 The verse sets the one end toward which all the diverse gifts in the ministration of the gospel must work unitedly, which is the combined work of all who hold forth the Word of life, each with a special work in a different line for impressing people.Ms 108, 1899, par. 2–4+1

Ministry and medical missionary work and other lines must be considered in relation to one another and cooperate in one coordinated work rather than separating or eclipsing one another, for Christ gives different kinds of workers to equip the saints, serve in ministry, and build up the church until believers are united in faith and knowledge of the Son of God and grow into maturity measured by Christ's fullness.CH 560.2–3+2 The Lord needs all kinds of skillful workmen and gives different callings, so not all can be medical missionaries and others must be trained as faithful ministers and shepherds to feed sheep and lambs for the perfecting of the saints, the work of the ministry, and the building up of the body of Christ.Lt 93, 1892, par. 9–10+1 The physician's work is a form of ministry, and growth depends on the gifts and service of the whole body, not on one person's talent or position, with believers of different gifts complementing one another's deficiencies and continuing in teaching and caring for the sick.Lt 93, 1892, par. 9–10+1

God gives every person work according to ability as part of His plan with shared responsibilities, and gives grace for good work in home and church until His people grow into unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God and reach the full measure of Christ's character through the Holy Spirit teaching self-denial and obedience as people give themselves to God.Lt 48, 1902, par. 25–27+1 He expects the right use of every power of mind, soul, and body without wasting mental or physical strength, laboring earnestly, praying for power, expecting it, and receiving it so as to grow toward full stature of men and women in Christ.CH 127.2+4

The father grows to full stature at home not as an overgrown undisciplined boy but as a man with manly character and controlled passions, standing at the head of his family through knowledge of the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent, through education in correct morals, and through conduct directed and restrained by the pure principles of the Word of God.Ms 36, 1899, par. 7–8+1 Parents and children together can grow up to the full stature of the measure of the fullness of Christ, for Christ has made every provision, when parents are controlled by the Holy Spirit with strength and grace to be teachers in the home, putting all energy into molding education and discipline, keeping a sanctifying influence pervading the home, overcoming blemishes of character, and keeping fermented wine from tempting children's appetite.Ms 36, 1899, par. 11+1 This perfection of Christian character is possible for a whole family when interest is given to serving the Lord and knowing His divine will instead of serving the world, by disciplining the mind in spiritual things, taking time to read, meditate, pray, and instruct children with their highest eternal interest before them, rather than making worldly success and property the training and affection of life which separates affections from God.4T 54.2–3 Parents reach this for their children by becoming earnest followers of the Lord Jesus themselves, studying His character and work and laboring with Him for salvation, training children to keep His pattern before them and dwell upon His virtues, ruling by pure principles of the Word rather than growing up careless and self-pleasing without fear of God, with special care and encouragement also given to youth to grow into mature men and women in Christ Jesus.CT 41.2+1

Growing up includes developing mind and manners until Christian refinement and true courtesy reach proper maturity with heavenly dignity rather than mere outward polish or affectation, linked with partaking of the divine nature, for failing to grow dishonors Christ and the cause of truth.MYP 422.1+1 This refinement of thought and conduct comes through Christ's love and the Spirit's discipline, not merely outward rules, as the eye kept on Jesus transforms mind, spirit, and character into His meekness and lowliness.CE 200.1–2 The teacher grows toward the measure of Christ's stature, not imitating any finite fallible person, through grace found in Christ the divine pattern and learning from Him.TSSW 76.2–77.1 Christ has made it possible for teachers, ministers, physicians, and all educators of youth to grow into His full maturity as true ministers firm to principle, as people of solid understanding who keep studying His Word, show deep Christian experience, and are strong mentally, spiritually, and physically, reaching the highest standard of efficiency by improving God-given capabilities for which they are accountable, constantly looking to the Father for wisdom, shut in with God in earnest prayer and communion with Jesus, walking in given light and doing God's will from the heart until affections are pure and sanctified.Lt 90, 1894, par. 14+1

God's purpose is the most exalted position possible for human beings by dying to self, placing themselves under Christ's command, keeping souls in His love, and striving earnestly and untiringly each doing his part to answer Christ's prayer for unity like that between Father and Son, growing into perfect men and women with the full measure of Christ's character when divine and human agencies cooperate in soul-saving so sinners are converted and many saved.Ms 47, 1902, par. 34–35 The symbolic system of sacrifices and offerings with Christ as foundation pointed to Him and prefigured His death as the sinless Lamb slain from the foundation of the world who died for human sins, teaching that the wages of sin is death and working to vindicate God's law toward this unity, which is reached when believers unite all God-given gifts in Christian work to carry out God's requirements, revealing at every advance a faith that works by love and purifies the soul.Ms 16, 1901, par. 45–46 Believers are to grasp the fullness of Christ and grow toward His complete measure rather than aiming for the lowest standard, so they can do much for Him, seeing themselves as unprofitable servants when comparing their efforts with the Saviour's work and not becoming proud or claiming worth.STB 788.2+2 Reaching full stature of men and women in Christ is a privilege for all requiring earnest effort, self-denial, fixed purpose to honor God, and putting all energies into His work as part of sanctification and working in harmony with Christ, yoked with Him and laboring as He labored.RH Feb 11, 1904

In the last days the way to full maturity is to press together toward higher attainments and rest in Jesus, letting Him bear burdens and carry both the workers and their load.Lt 121, 1898, par. 26–27 Workers were never designed to labor apart in lines peculiar to themselves, and their labors cannot complete the church without a blending in spirit and labor through a variety of gifts working harmoniously to mature the saints, carry on the ministry, and build up the body until all reach unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God and full-grown maturity like Christ.Lt 121, 1898, par. 26–27 That appointed means includes apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers given for perfecting the saints, for ministry, and for edifying the body, so that believers are no longer children tossed by every wind of doctrine through deceivers' craft but speak truth in love and grow up into Christ the head with the whole body fitly joined and edified in love.Ms 139, 1897, par. 1–2 Each gift set in the church is precious in its place and all are needed to reach unity and maturity, which calls for personal piety with spirit, thoughts and words under subjection to Christ, with no shirking of responsibility on the one hand and no laboring for supremacy on the other, but devoted zeal in everyone to do his best so that one is not heavily loaded while another goes lightly and one is not eased while another is burdened.Lt 66a, 1886, par. 5–6 This work requires making the burden of sinners perishing in their sins one's own in sympathy with God.Ms 139, 1897, par. 1–2

Attaining mature stature is pressing toward the perfection of His character, with the Holy Spirit transforming the person to enable Christlike love, peace, self-renunciation and conduct even under severe testing.RH Jun 10, 1902 When God's people reach this mark they are complete in Christ and sealed in their foreheads, striving with all God-given powers to reach the measure of men and women in Christ, seeking His fullness ever higher as true representatives in word, spirit and action especially when tested and tried while filled with the Holy Spirit, complete in Him whose they are by creation and redemption.RH Jun 10, 1902+1 God's design is that His people all come into unity of the faith and stand in perfect unity upon the platform of eternal truth, which requires a refining process purging the church from all unrighteousness and the spirit of discord and contention so members build up instead of tearing down and concentrate energies on the great work before them.4T 17.1 That same unity was the burden of Christ's prayer just before His crucifixion that His disciples might be one even as He was one with the Father so the world might believe the Father sent Him, a prayer reaching down the ages to all who believe through their word.4T 17.1

The church grows in effectiveness as its members grow to the full stature of men and women in Christ Jesus, a growth that equips them to shine clearly to those who do not know the truth and to work for those who are perishing.RH Aug 28, 1900 It is day-by-day growth into full men and women in Christ belonging to those whose fetters of sin are broken, who seek the Lord with brokenness of heart and obtain righteousness in answer to prayer, and who take part in soul-saving by watching and praying and working for salvation.Ms 59, 1902, par. 72 Molded and fashioned by the Holy Spirit they gain depth and breadth and stability of Christian character and enduring spiritual happiness, walking in Christ's footsteps and identified with Him in self-sacrificing plans, not cold and spiritless but filled with unselfish love for sinners and putting away worldly ambition and self-seeking, with contact with the deep things of God making them more like their Saviour, exulting in His triumphs and filled with His joy.Ms 59, 1902, par. 72 True Christians imbued with the Spirit of Christ are ever growing to that full stature, with heart under the Spirit's influence and affections centered in Christ so they talk of Christ, work for Christ, and work with unselfish interest to bless humanity around them, becoming more like Christ in disposition, at peace with God, rising above low earthly elements and partaking of the divine nature.Lt 21, 1886, par. 24–25 It is the privilege of believers to grow continually in grace to that stature in faith, love and meekness by following on to know the Lord, worshiping Him in spirit and truth and beauty of holiness, following Christ as Leader and patterning after His self-denial and self-sacrifice, believing in God and holding to His Word, and growing in faith and love together with all striving to overcome through the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony.Lt 186, 1907, par. 18

God's people are to grow through cooperation with Him into that full stature, and Christians are expected to grow to the full stature of Christ their Lord and Master.Lt 3, 1901, par. 22+1 Many hesitate from fear they cannot hold their profession, but standing is by faith and without faith God cannot be glorified, so all who would follow Christ must make daily advancement forward step by step, for failure to advance means falling and losing eternal life and there is no safety except in going forward.Ms 42, 1886, par. 8 This demands organized effort involving the whole working force where they are, with regular service by members rather than spectators, unselfish care imparting knowledge beyond self, and daily duties preparing for further work.Ms 59, 1902, par. 72+4 Growing thus, the mature impart what they have received and rise to larger usefulness as the work increases.Ms 59, 1902, par. 72+2

The great object of life is to restore soul, body and spirit to God and restore His moral image in poor degraded sinners, which means not continuing indulgence but helping sin-sick souls find courage and sustaining help in every city to overcome all unnatural appetites and sinful indulgences.Lt 95, 1898, par. 5 That includes giving up tobacco use, tea and liquor drinking, and discarding all flesh meat, and holding educating meetings where young men are instructed how to develop complete manhood so they can become teachers of good things.Lt 95, 1898, par. 5 God's purpose for His workers is that they grow up into the full stature of men and women in Christ as gospel ministers and workers who put whole soul, heart, mind and strength into saving souls and preparing the way for Christ's coming, constantly increasing in efficiency and power through a constantly increasing supply of grace.Ms 90, 1904, par. 19–21 As they faithfully perform God-given duties they receive more and more grace, attain larger results with many souls brought into the truth, shine forth more clearly the light of present truth, receive power to glorify God, help and bless others by Christlike example, grow brighter and brighter unto the perfect day, become more decided in conversation, and become vessels unto honor.Ms 90, 1904, par. 19–21

Every soul is to aim at reaching the perfection of the character of Jesus Christ in holiness through different gifts and differing manifestations of the Holy Spirit held together in unity, with no one attacking another, standing together in opposition and conflict to sustain Bible truth against fanaticism and heresy.Ms 158, 1907, par. 1–4 Growing to full stature as men and women in Christ means teachers and scholars walking with God so study of languages and all book knowledge does not eclipse knowledge of heavenly things, with God sending angels to bring moral power to combine with human effort to train children for heaven, thus becoming educated and fitted for the future immortal life by developing a character God will approve that is carried into the future life.Ms 19, 1887, par. 24–26 It means having all entrusted capabilities submerged in Christ and taking the mold of His character through love, tenderness, sympathy, compassion and mercy woven into family life and all plans, words and actions, shown in binding the family to the heart in love, treating a wife with tender compassion with no harsh rules or demands, being pleasant at all times, carrying sunshine into the home, restraining threatenings, putting away criticism and over-ruling, and letting mercy and love bear sway openly.Lt 39, 1886, par. 6 Every believer must labor to reach the highest standard as God's representative, showing by influence that truth has sanctified the soul, and growing to Christ's full maturity comes by seeking to advance in God's strength with seasons of meditation and prayer so as to become capable channels of light to different parts of the world.Ms 19a, 1886, par. 9 Advancing far in knowing the Lord Jesus Christ fits character for eternity and the future immortal life by overcoming transmitted traits hindering the religious life through battle with individual temptations and daily victories over self, working for the Master from principle emptied of selfishness in light and darkness and gloom, building firm solid experience that stands trial, treasuring truth as it is in Jesus in the heart and being settled and grounded so no temptation or argument leaves Christ and His wisdom out of the life, and those who come to this measure come off conquerors with eternal weight of glory and exert masterly influence leading others not to live for themselves but for Him who gave His life for them, becoming precious temples where God dwells.Lt 64, 1886, par. 9–10+1

Growth toward the full stature includes continual progress in knowledge and spiritual strength and becoming more firmly rooted and grounded in the truth, and workers who make no decided improvement suffer loss, for to fail to grow stronger is to go backward.4T 556.2+1 Walking in the light brings increasing wisdom so that believers know more of the truth each day and draw on heaven's light and strength through faith, growing in Bible knowledge and religious life until they reach the full stature of men and women in Christ.SBAWP 30.4 Receiving heavenly truth brings spiritual life and prevents a stagnant or stunted experience, and abiding in Christ and seeking the Holy Spirit's anointing enable growth and discernment between what is heaven-born and what is common.Lt 29, 1896, par. 17–19

Christians are to grow in knowing the Son of God until character reflects Christ's fullness, being shaped by God with roughness removed and character perfected for His heavenly temple.ST Mar 9, 1888 They must not be content with defects but seek reform and become overcomers, for Christ is a perfect Saviour whose abundant grace makes victory possible, sanctifying the life so that natural appetites and passions are brought under the Holy Spirit's control and Christ is revealed in daily words and actions, He having endured suffering that people might reflect His image and be made perfect in His righteousness.ST Mar 9, 1888

Growing up to the full stature means teaching the truth, living the truth, and in character, words and deportment being an honor to the cause of Christ.GW92 232.1 It means the development and strengthening of every faculty by exercise, so that workers become qualified to bear larger responsibilities as the work increases.GW92 232.1+1 Through grace the faithful person grows toward the full measure of maturity as greater trusts are entrusted, for God measures every talent and ability and knows what to lay on each, and when proved faithful a man is entrusted with greater responsibility and brought to still higher standards, and in that faithful service grows to full maturity.MYP 301.1+1

Growing up into Christ to the full stature of men and women in spiritual understanding comes by clinging to Jesus by faith and drawing the strength and perfection of His character from Him as a branch draws sap from the living vine, looking to Jesus and climbing step by step in overcoming as temptations close about.Ms 141, 1901, par. 7+1 Abiding in Christ makes believers one with Him and entirely safe against all the assaults of Satan, so that Christ living in the soul is revealed in the character, and those in whom Christ lives work the works of God, represent Christ in life, and talk of Christ because they meditate upon Him, though man is nothing without Christ.Ms 141, 1901, par. 7+1

Believers build character day by day according to Christ's directions and continually exercise faith in Him, and as they abide they grow into wholesome, cheerful, grateful Christians whom God leads into clearer light.9T 47.4+1 Day-by-day contact with deep things makes them more like the Saviour with unselfish love and joy in His triumphs, and completeness in Him is possible.RH Nov 24, 1904 Those truly united to Christ grow daily toward the full stature of mature men and women in Him and cannot remain spiritually dwarfed while truly joined to Him.RH Feb 26, 1901 Claiming to obey God's word while disobeying its plain requirements is inconsistent with that growth, for little growth in Christian experience and little of Christ shown in the life come from having too much self and too little Christ.RH Feb 26, 1901

Constant obedience fits those born again for service as God molds the whole being toward physical, mental and spiritual perfection.RH Jan 14, 1902 Christ makes it possible to be freed from sin's curse of physical and spiritual disease and weakness, and through truth the Holy Spirit renews soul and body, increases vitality, and enables willing people to communicate truth with power and serve successfully.RH Jan 14, 1902 Glorifying God requires constantly aiming to attain the fullness of the stature of Christ, which is perfection in Christ Jesus, cultivating devotion and piety, letting the Christian graces be and abound, giving the Saviour the best and holiest affections, and rendering entire obedience to His will with undivided affections, for nothing short of this will be accepted.2T 237.1 It means remaining steadfast amid jeers and scoffs, following the Saviour through evil as well as good report and counting it joy and sacred honor to bear His cross, while those who do not so seek Him fail to perfect holiness in His fear and at last hear Depart.2T 237.1

Believers are to grow heavenward in grace and in knowing Jesus Christ their living Head until they reach His full stature, and this growth is not earthly, with no limit to how much they may grow or how much light they may receive.Ms 7, 1890, par. 5 Growth in Christ's graces follows when truth is presented as it is in Jesus and selfishness, pride and self-exaltation are put away, rather than remaining spiritually immature.Ms 25a, 1895, par. 10–12 Growing to a complete mature man in Christ Jesus is by having all entrusted capabilities submerged in Christ and taking on the mold of His character.5MR 441.1–2+1 Valuable traits alone still leave a person one-sided and imperfect without the love of Christ, His winning charms, compassion, tenderness and love cultivated in the life, woven into family and all plans, words and actions with tenderness and sympathy often expressed, binding the family in love with pleasantness and sunshine, no harsh rules or demands, threatenings restrained, criticism and over-ruling put away, mercy and love bearing sway openly, and this does not make a less successful businessman but gives greater success.5MR 441.1–2+1

To be Christian is to be Christlike, growing to mature manhood and womanhood by becoming partakers of the divine nature.Lt 18, 1894, par. 4–6 This requires the grace of Christ moment by moment, making His life and character one's own by being doers of His words and not hearers only, studying the definite features of that character, and referring every thought and action to Him in close dear companionship as Enoch walked with God.Lt 18, 1894, par. 4–6 Those with great light and precious opportunities greatly dishonor Jesus and misrepresent Him when they neglect this only means of growth, and by unchristlike practice grow away from the only true copy and injure others, while a practical godly life helps others.Lt 18, 1894, par. 4–6 Christian character grows toward the full stature of a perfect person with Christ's life as the standard of complete character and His works as gold, silver and precious stones, bringing new knowledge through communion with God as personal will and inclination are surrendered and God forms the divine likeness.Ms 198, 1899, par. 10–11

God-given physical, mental and moral abilities are to be surrendered to Him and developed through use for His glory, enabling growth and service toward the full stature.Lt 44, 1900, par. 7–9 God's plan is for each to keep growing toward mature manhood in vital connection, continually progressing in grace and knowledge of the truth, improving as His cultivated field by employing powers, talents, tact and ability to meet and overcome difficulties rather than wasting them in inaction.3MR 204.2–205.1 Ceasing to grow loses influence and power, diminishes aptitude, breaks vital touch with God and forfeits helping, blessing and saving others, while the present moment remains opportunity to bind up with God through faith and prayer and let example remind every steward of means and ability what God requires.3MR 204.2–205.1 Believers fall short of Christ's perfect wisdom and must continually learn from Him, and through the Holy Spirit's power can become complete in Christ, advancing step by step.Ms 187, 1899, par. 9–10

Looking to Jesus changes believers into His likeness into the full stature of men and women in Christ as they confess and forsake sin and bring inherited and cultivated tendencies under God's will.Lt 21, 1901, par. 40–41 The church reaches the full measure of Christ's stature as God's life sustains it like a body whose spiritual heart must be sound, with life and vigor flowing through the whole body and every branch of the work, requiring renewal in righteousness and holiness and devotion of powers to saving others.Ms 3, 1869, par. 1–3 All God's people will come to unity of the faith through the diversity of gifts and governments placed in the church, as God leads a people out from the world upon the exalted platform of eternal truth, the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and disciplines them so they will not be at variance with opposite views each moving independently of the body.Ms 135, 1901, par. 9

The Lord wants followers blended mind to mind and heart to heart and in that unity to grow to full maturity as men and women in Christ, belonging to preparing both youth and those of mature age to enter God's service.Ms 22, 1902, par. 8 Those with perfect pardon through faith fight the good fight and are carried step by step onward and upward from one degree of conformity to His image to another until they reach the full stature of His likeness, going from glory to glory, which is from strength to strength.Lt 51a, 1894, par. 3–4 Believers must strive with all God-given powers to reach the measure of men and women in Christ, seeking His fullness ever higher to attain perfection of character and prove true representatives in word, spirit and action especially when tested while filled with the Holy Spirit, and when they reach this point they will be sealed and complete in Him whose they are by creation and redemption.1MR 370.2–3 Christians are to grow beyond spiritual immaturity to the full stature, and as they abide and draw faith, strength and perfection of character from Him they overcome temptation and grow in spiritual understanding with Christ revealed in character and works.Lt 46, 1901, par. 20–21+1

Understanding of truth continually expanding marks growth toward the full stature, as those faithfully serving become partakers of Christ's image and grow day by day bringing love for God and heaven into work.Ms 24, 1900, par. 29–34 Christians are to grow in grace and knowledge of the truth toward the full stature, and prayer, attending meetings and seeking heavenly nourishment help them grow in grace and knowledge of Christ to that maturity.Lt 68a, 1893, par. 24–25+1 Growing to complete maturity when truth abides in the heart belongs to a more solemn work of preaching than has been imagined, calling for earnest thought, uncramped intellect, greater wonders opened with the progress of the work, more earnest penetrating vision in walking in the light, investigation of revelation where mines of truth are opened, putting off self-righteousness, reaching loftier heights, seeking Christ's righteousness with God directing the soul, wanting none of self and all of Jesus, receiving the baptism of the Holy Ghost, searching for truth as hidden treasure, holding the key of knowledge to open God's treasury of precious gems, and craving truth from His Word with angels leading the mind into green pastures.Ms 6, 1888, par. 13

Believers must not remain religious dwarfs but press on receiving Christ's counsel with faith working by love and purifying the soul, ever growing to the full stature till complete in Him as He abides with every soul that heartily invites Him, overcoming impatience, fretfulness and pride that loves not humility, taking His yoke, doing nothing He has not done, following His example in His footsteps, and considering His endurance of contradiction so as not to be weary and faint.Ms 147, 1899, par. 20–21 True Christian life is higher and still higher education, forming character when the Lord's wisdom is present, with symmetrical character gained by improving advantages as persevering learners in Christ's school, continuing to grow in grace and knowledge of the truth into able workmen and polished instruments with deep clear conclusive reasoning instead of superficial knowledge, through close study of the Word to be thoroughly furnished unto all good works.Ms 86, 1899, par. 6–7+1

Growing into the full stature is by representing Christ in character and reflecting a light that is a savor of life unto life or of death unto death, obtaining fitness for immortal life without expecting the world to be converted or faith and obedience to become popular, by guarding thoughts and imaginations upon God and heaven, preserving piety and reverence, being strong in God and His might, qualified for His work and prepared for translation as Enoch was, so the faithful obedient receive eternal glory.Ms 86, 1886, par. 29–30 Setting aside nonessential tasks and giving more time to what strengthens and settles mind and heart helps this growth.Ms 11, 1902, par. 3 No believer should remain in ignorance or stay a dwarf but all should grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ to the full stature, and even those appointed without full qualification can reach it under the great Teacher, learning to work as He worked in connection with the Source of power, light and strength, making churches more efficient.Lt 79, 1898, par. 9+1 Growth in Christ means gaining grace and knowledge of the deep truths of God's Word to the full stature, while handlers of sacred things fall short when not fully consecrated, hiding self, or lacking His sanctifying power and deep personal experience, for knowing God is necessary to represent Him rightly.Ms 12, 1891, par. 6–7