1:3Jude 1:3

Jude set aside his intended writing on the shared common salvation because need required him to urge the beloved to hold fast and fight earnestly for the faith given once for all to God's holy people.Ms 94, 1903, par. 22–27+2
That faith is the pure gospel centered on Christ as Mediator and Saviour, identified with God's law of Ten Commandments and especially loyalty to the seventh-day Sabbath, voiced in present truth in the third angel's message, and known only as a faith that works by love and purifies the life.Ms 23, 1885, par. 24+4
Contending is urgent because corruptions have entered the church, Satan works with deceptive power against the truth, the law is trampled underfoot, and false teachers slip in unnoticed to turn grace into license and divert minds from safe ground.Ms 94, 1903, par. 22–27+4
It is done by courageous holding fast in trust in God and Christ's righteousness, with the Word of God and a plain Thus saith the Lord as the only defense, and not with carnal zeal and railing words but with meekness like Michael who when contending with the devil said The Lord rebuke thee.19MR 106.2–4+4
It means practicing the truth in loyalty and self-denial, standing in unity, carrying aggressive missionary warfare into new places, and living a transformed Christlike life, with the promise that God defends His distinct people and His truth stands as the refuge to the very close of time.Ms 64, 1898, par. 24–25+4

Jude first meant to write about the shared common salvation, but need turned him to urge believers to hold fast and fight for the faith given once for all to God's holy people.Ms 94, 1903, par. 22–27+2 That salvation they share is itself the reason for the earnest appeal, calling them to remain consistent in their profession and faithful under the Holy Spirit's influence.Ms 94, 1903, par. 22–27+1 The urgency comes because false teachers can enter unnoticed, distort God's grace into immoral license, and deny God and Jesus Christ.Ms 94, 1903, par. 22–27 Ministers of God are to take up this charge while studying the lesson of the life of Christ.ST Jan 16, 1896

The appeal is spoken to the beloved, to those set apart and sanctified by God the Father and kept and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called, with the wish that mercy, peace, and love be increased to them.Ms 43, 1902, par. 21–26+1 The whole book is a warning to earnestly contend because corruptions have come into the church.Ms 43, 1902, par. 21–26 Believers so sanctified and preserved must therefore hold fast the original faith and actively defend it against inward corruption and worldly influence, living separate from the amusements, schemes, policies, and practices of the world while laboring with all God-given ability to save perishing souls.Ms 43, 1902, par. 21–26

The word once means once for all, an original apostolic faith entrusted to the saints, not a newly received belief.GC88 63.2–64.1+3 It is the apostolic church's faith, received from earlier generations and inherited from the fathers, grounded in God's written word.GC88 63.2–64.1+2 The Waldenses contended for this inherited faith and preserved it against Rome's false doctrines, errors, and heresies, and the true church was the community guarding and sharing the truth God had committed to His people, even when it withdrew from Rome's authority to worship freely.GC88 63.2–64.1+2

The setting presses the call with ungodly men slipping in unnoticed who corrupt grace and deny the Lord.Ms 95, 1903, par. 1–5 It is remembered against the Lord destroying unbelievers after saving Israel from Egypt, angels who left their place reserved in chains under darkness to the great day, and Sodom and Gomorrah set as an example in eternal fire, leading to Michael disputing with the devil.Ms 95, 1903, par. 1–5 With Daniel's vision this reveals heavenly courts where angels of highest rank, good and evil, take interest and active part in human affairs and earthly kingdoms, where earnest prayer moves heaven, satanic forces oppose through earthly rulers, and Michael himself comes to help Gabriel.Ms 95, 1903, par. 1–5

The exhortation describes conditions of apostasy to be met in the present day, belonging to a description of the pollution of the world and the working agencies of Satan to corrupt the world.Lt 330, 1908, par. 17–25+1 It is written for present benefit and concerns God's people particularly, and is to be studied now and studied earnestly by workers who must meet those conditions.Lt 330, 1908, par. 17–25+2 It is to be kept constantly before the people and made prominent in preaching as truth that all living in these last days must know in order to learn their dangers and how to avoid them.Lt 408, 1907, par. 10–13 It gives a decided message to bear, yet the bearing of it requires meekness and lowliness of heart, guarding every word and weeding out retaliation and defiance and drives against churches and individuals, following the example of Michael who when contending with the devil did not bring a railing accusation but left rebuke to the Lord.Lt 35, 1895, par. 4–7

The faith is the body of truth entrusted to believers, to be truly known and held firmly and never turned away from.RH Mar 26, 1908+3 Merely professing the truth while putting forward personal ideas as authority does not show that a person knows this faith.Lt 43, 1888, par. 12–13 Those who departed from it were those who left Christ's banner.4SP 53.3

That faith has not lost any of its sacred, holy character, however objectionable its opposers may think it to be.RH Aug 31, 1905+1 Its principles remain unmoved when people apostatize and turn from it, and apostasy or attempts to weaken confidence in it do not change truth into error.7MR 173.2+1 Truth spoken by the Holy Ghost is not to be exchanged for erroneous theories or for any pleasing phase of doctrine, and preserving it requires sleepless vigilance against those who speak falsely and draw others away.Ms 186, 1905, par. 14+3 Contending for it means holding firmly to Bible truth with continual renewal of strength, rooted and grounded in Christ, with faith substantiated by the Word of God.RH Aug 31, 1905+1

The faith is the common salvation shared by believers and the pure gospel of the Old and New Testaments, the faith of Jesus.Ms 23, 1885, par. 24+1 It is centered on Christ as Mediator whose merits alone cleanse from all sin, as personal Saviour who has been and ever will be the Rock of ages.Ms 124, 1905, par. 7–9+1 It is identified with Christ in you, the hope of glory, requiring diligent study of divine truth so believers know what they believe and do not fall away when interpretations of Scripture differ.11MR 285.2–3 Defending it means standing loyal and true under pressure, upholding that pure gospel against human tradition, corrupt fables, compromise and fraternizing with popery, exalting God's law and maintaining religious liberty.Ms 30, 1889, par. 73–79

The faith is identified with God's law, the Ten Commandments proclaimed at Sinai by Christ the Redeemer.CH 388.2+3 That law had first been given in Eden and was then spoken with God's own voice to Israel brought out of Egypt to Sinai.Lt 74, 1900, par. 29–30 Its awful grandeur and power declare God's majesty and authority as Ruler of the world and the sacredness and importance of obedience.Lt 74, 1900, par. 29–30+2 God delivered Israel from Egypt so they could keep it.8T 197.4–198.1

Its distinguishing feature is loyalty to God's commandments, especially the seventh-day Sabbath as God's sign between Him and His obedient subjects who keep His law holy.Lt 74, 1900, par. 32–34+3 Honoring it means keeping holy the day He sanctified and blessed, preserving right knowledge of Him and distinguishing His loyal subjects from transgressors of His law.Lt 74, 1900, par. 32–34+2 To break the Sabbath and become disloyal is to depart from the faith, and returning to the same course can become easier because Satan seeks to keep hold of the person.Lt 110, 1899, par. 2–6 Upholding a spurious sabbath and mingling religious faith with state power to exalt it above the sanctified Sabbath betrays that faith and weakens the churches in opposition to it.Ms 63, 1899, par. 30–31+2

The faith is present truth voiced in the third angel's message and in the first, second and third angels' messages, the light, deliverance and confidence received in their proclamation.Lt 74, 1900, par. 32–34+2 It is the reasons of faith and past experience, the true pillars, the old evidences and old landmarks, the truth laid out before God's people under the ministration of the Holy Spirit.Ms 99, 1909, par. 30–32+1 It connects past, present and future, and every message God sends, every word of which will be verified whether believed or not.Lt 122, 1900, par. 18–20+1 It is to be understood, revived and held fast now with unshaken confidence amid cries of Lo here and Lo there, with strengthened confidence and cooperation with God in closing up the work while refusing false theories, false representations, opposition and ridicule.Ms 99, 1909, par. 30–32+2 It is the last message of mercy to the world, to be upheld by laborers together with God who are not turned from the present message as the work deepens toward the close of time, receiving instruction only from those true and loyal to it so that amid last-day perils it shines as a lamp that burneth.17MR 17.2–18.1+1

The faith is the faith that works by love and purifies the soul, of no less importance now than at the beginning.Lt 191, 1905, par. 7–8 It is bound up with pure, cleansing, transforming truth which when it takes possession of the heart leads to wholehearted devotion to Christ and a life reflecting that truth.Lt 178, 1899, par. 13 Its value is known only when embodied in practical life, where spiritual and moral integrity has become an abiding characteristic at all times and in all places, enabling a proper estimate of that holy sacred truth.1MR 211.2+1 It is prophetic truth spoken by holy men as they were moved by the Holy Spirit, delivered through prophets, and must not be denied or exchanged for false paths.Lt 3, 1897, par. 25–27+1

That faith enables believers to trust God boldly and advance through Christ's strength, saying The Lord is my Helper.5T 484.1+1 When the church confesses and forsakes sin, believes and walks in truth, humble obedience and faith give it a power the world cannot withstand.5T 484.1+1 It leads not to remaining at first principles but to continual growth in Christian character, holiness, knowledge and love of God, going from light to still greater light to the close of probation.5T 484.1+1

Corruptions have come into the church and the conditions warned about have arisen, with departures from the faith amid moral darkness and corruption.Ms 43, 1902, par. 21–26+3 There will always be necessity to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints, to hold fast the original faith entrusted to God's people and actively defend it against inward corruption and worldly influence.Ms 43, 1902, par. 21–26+2 This means living separate from the amusements, schemes, policies and practices of the world while laboring with all God-given ability to save perishing souls.Ms 43, 1902, par. 21–26 Contending means keeping the spirit of Christ and the model character before believers and ever striving for perfection, since every soul has a character to form for everlasting life and the Christian life is a constant warfare against the slavery of passion.21MR 169.4 Holding firmly and earnestly is especially difficult when widespread wrongdoing weakens Christian devotion and there is little encouragement amid opposition, calling for persevering loyalty to God and His commandments through trials rather than letting surrounding unrighteousness or pressure deform or weaken faith.Ms 92, 1897, par. 29–30+1

Satan is alive and active, working with all deceivableness of unrighteousness to lead men and women to deny the faith and follow where he leads.Ms 31, 1906, par. 1 Principalities and powers and spiritual wickedness in high places are fully brought into warfare against the truth, and his deceptive power grows so great that if possible it would deceive the very elect.ST Mar 1, 1910 Opposition grows more fierce as God's people have purer faith and firmer resolve to obey Him, for Satan works through deception making evil appear good and good evil, so holding fast requires deep trust and courageous purpose especially when professed claimants to righteousness oppose keepers of God's law.GW 264.3 Discernment must therefore be sharpened by divine enlightenment so as not to be ignorant of Satan's devices.ST Mar 1, 1910

The law is trampled underfoot by the disloyal and held in contempt, so earnestly contending means bringing men back from transgression of God's commandments, proclaiming the gospel with earnestness and zeal as light upon commandment-breakers, arousing men and women to prepare to meet God, and raising the standard of truth while magnifying the law and making it honorable.Lt 74, 1900, par. 25–26+1 Those standing as watchmen must hold fast to Christ without weakening the presentation of evidence about present dangers, since weakening loses an advantage that should be kept, and holding fast gives power to become children of God with life hidden with Christ in God.Ms 31, 1906, par. 1+1 Loyalty to God and obedience to His commandments belong to contending, requiring believers not to weaken devotion but to give unflinching testimony and stand ready to defend the truth with clear evidence.RH Apr 19, 1906+1

True Christianity distinct from faith in heresy and error will be rare in the last days.Ms 37, 1889, par. 2–3 Many will claim a quality of faith, one boasting superior faith in this heresy and another faith in that error, but the principal features of Christianity will become scarce amid fierce conflict between truth and error and between sin and righteousness.Ms 37, 1889, par. 2–3 When the great day of the second advent comes, the mass of mankind will therefore be in impenitence and unbelief like the inhabitants of the old world destroyed by the flood.Ms 37, 1889, par. 2–3

Departing from the entrusted faith risks making shipwreck of faith, so the banner must be held fast.8T 158.1–2+2 Even a small defect can ruin the whole, like a leak sinking a ship or a defective link making a chain worthless.Lt 123, 1898, par. 1–3 Conduct that weakens confidence in the faith can lead to that shipwreck.CH 563.1–3

The faith is to be maintained with moral strength before the world, and as the third angel's message is proclaimed opposition and devices intended to undermine it and make it of none effect will come.STB 8.1–2+2 Satan will try to undermine it through covetous deceivers and false teachers who speak against the truth and exploit people with deceptive words, causing the way of truth to be evil spoken of.STB 8.1–2+1 Despite this opposition and truth being spoken against, all are still to hear the words of truth.STB 8.1–2+2

Holding fast will take courage, firmness, trust in God and knowledge of His Word, with continual reliance and unwavering trust and heroic purpose in the final evil day when obedience brings persecution, false accusation, hatred, impugned motives, misinterpreted efforts and evil names while deceptive power beclouds understanding and makes evil appear good.AA 430.4–431.2+4 Steadfast faith and determined commitment to obey will show who truly trusts God when civil authorities give no protection and secular rulers unite with ministers to dictate conscience and rejecters of the law unite against the obedient.SLP 252.2+3 Defense of the entrusted faith requires determined effort to fight the good fight of faith and lay hold on eternal life while relying on Christ to impute His righteousness, since none can make themselves fit for heaven in their own strength.Ms 8, 1885, par. 5
The Word of God is the defense, to be searched diligently and earnestly for oneself rather than depending on or exalting human beings, with fear of God and with continual renewal of strength while standing firmly rooted and grounded in Christ and never letting go of the Lord Jesus.Ms 124, 1905, par. 7–9+3 Diligent inquiry is needed so believers know that they know what is truth, studying Scripture to purpose to understand salvation, reasoning from cause to effect, appropriating the Bible to the soul, laying hold resolutely on a plain Thus saith the Lord with It is written as the only argument, carrying it into every new field and standing with the gospel armor on rather than trusting men's suggestions, theories, suppositions and sophistries.Ms 124, 1905, par. 7–9+3 Counterfeit doctrines and fanatical performances striving to enter as present truth must be detected and separated from the true through prayer and the rebuke and revealing of the Holy Spirit, holding fast great principles brought from the Bible under the Spirit's guidance and proclaiming affirmative points repeatedly confirmed by manifestations of the Holy Spirit in a clear solemn message that exposes peril and moves hearts.Lt 191, 1905, par. 7–8+1 Faith substantiated by the Word and grasping the living testimony must not be changed for any pleasing phase of doctrine, for fables, vain doctrines and subtle plausible sentiments will come to seduce if possible the very elect, and unless now rooted on the Rock believers will be led astray when the storm tries every man's faith, while unfounded faith built on sand fails in trial and falls away when differences arise over Scripture.Ms 124, 1905, par. 7–9+1
Contending is not done with self-created zeal born of hereditary and cultivated traits, storm of words, unsanctified judgment, envy, jealousy, evil suspicion, desire for supremacy or other carnal weapons, but with all qualifications yielded to divine influence and brought into subjection to Christ, with self hid in Christ and Christ in God.19MR 106.2–4 The example is Michael who when contending with the devil about the body of Moses did not bring a railing accusation but said The Lord rebuke thee, and so bearing a decided message does not permit retaliation, defiance, drives against churches and individuals, or cold-hearted criticism and selfish practice.19MR 106.2–4+2 Bearing it requires meekness and lowliness of heart, carefulness, patience and the gentleness of Christ, guarding every word, putting away every fiber of selfishness, making His Word the rule of daily life, and showing truth through meek gracious words and conduct in love rather than harshness.Lt 35, 1895, par. 4–7+3 Truth is to be seen on all sides in perfect harmony with no one-sided extravagance, no indolence, no ignoring of individuality, and contending is earnest promotion of truth and sowing its seed wherever there is opportunity, giving the whole self to the Lord and freely giving what was freely received without failure or discouragement.19MR 106.2–4+1
Contending means practicing the truth in loyalty to God with firm decision for the right, lifting the standard of character and rebuking others by example while pointing out justice and equity.Lt 16, 1895, par. 7–9 It means firmly defending without compromising principle, rejecting every temptation to depart from pure and holy principles, remaining unmoved by Satan's deceptions even when they appear as light or as an angel of light, and refusing the idea that God will not punish sin.Ms 15, 1885, par. 9–10+2 Daniel's firmness exemplifies this steadfastness, and it requires holding the Bible standard rather than choosing at will which words to accept, standing apart from the world's contrary judgment in the ongoing effort to overcome sin and form character fit for everlasting life.18MR 365.1–2+2
Contending means humble self-forgetful service in Christ's lines without seeking to be first or exalting self, willing to be instructed by God and showing the world's influence of truth upon character in steady progress and constant activity that is not satisfied unless church is added to church.Lt 139, 1900, par. 27 It means more abundant aggressive missionary work than in the past, annexing territory, planting the standard of truth in new places, establishing churches, teaching all nations, and fulfilling the commission rather than centering in certain localities while forgetting the vineyard.Lt 139, 1900, par. 27+1 It includes lifting the standard in all cities of the world, using His means for that work, raising churches whose members work their territory while ministers press to new fields followed by prayer, working in harmony with the ministry rather than a self-appointed work that binds about His work, wastes means disproportionately, leaves foreign calls unanswered, criticizes ministers and disparages the ministry which strikes at Christ.Lt 73, 1900, par. 16–17 It means warning the world as Noah did, dealing prudently, holding faith by belief and works and by faith and works condemning transgressors amid the same wicked, careless, world-loving resistance, without failure or discouragement.ST Oct 9, 1901+1 It requires bearing a rich harvest of souls instead of years almost destitute of fruit, waiting no longer to carry present truth with power to unwarned cities where God will place messengers on vantage ground, standing united on grand foundational principles and exposing captivating arts including magical science and secret mind-over-mind influence, a duty resting with greater weight on men of influence according to light received.Ms 127, 1905, par. 25
Contending means standing on eternal truth as it is in Jesus, a faith worth possessing, living and defending, by entering the narrow pathway where every step denies self, appetite and unholy lust.RH Dec 4, 1900+2 It is lived out by doing justly and loving mercy, seeking the oppressed, lifting the fallen and helping those in need, with earnest work for colored people as for white people, and by resisting the world's current of selfishness through self-denial and willing giving of resources where most needed for Christ's saving purpose.RH Sep 26, 1907+1 Contending belongs with unity, for division among claimants to truth works against witness, while turning against the world's current begins faithful witness.Ms 64, 1898, par. 24–25+1 Young people and families are to encourage one another's faith and strengthen the church's spirituality while contemplating Christ's goodness, tenderness and compassion, preserving the faith through work and prayer with unity in God and the spirit of the third angel's message in view of the near end.Lt 172, 1899, par. 2+1 Believers are to keep the faith and help one another remain faithful, supporting not hindering messengers to the unreached, and uniting on the ground and points God has given through His Word and the testimonies of His Spirit.Lt 270, 1903, par. 24+1
Each person receives a measure of grace and truth and a place to work and contend according to light given in God's Word and abilities entrusted, responsible to make the most of what is entrusted and to keep body, soul and spirit in harmony with God, since the soul was purchased at infinite price.Ms 56, 1897, par. 14 This contending is individual, standing in God's strength not weak human strength, following conscience and walking in plainly revealed truth even when family has no interest, without submerging identity in husband, wife or any living person.Ms 85, 1893, par. 45–49 Stepping aside from worldly customs especially in Sabbath-keeping brings the cross and breaks harmony between those who serve God and those who serve Him not, with rulers of darkness arrayed against contenders, yet unselfish fidelity in improving every talent proves true on test and trial and decides the place the Father has prepared and the eternal reward.ST Jul 9, 1896+1
God's ambassadors of whatever position must do their work faithfully and carefully and hold steadfastly to the entrusted faith, by fervent prayer keeping close to God lest they fail in faithful and just dealing with brethren, not sparing themselves in duty toward brethren and the cause whatever the rank of those working away from divine principles that must be strictly guarded from man's imaginations.Lt 100, 1900, par. 15–16 Earnestly contending means not deceiving the flock nor imperiling truth, guarding students against specious errors, and receiving education in medical-missionary lines only from those true and loyal to the delivered faith.Ms 70, 1905, par. 5 That truth delivered under the Spirit's ministration is to shine in the last-day dangers clearly like a lamp in distinct rays.Lt 146, 1905, par. 5+1 Those whose lives are hidden with Christ are to come forward and defend the truth and advance God's kingdom as Christ would if present, using all influence on Christ's side, while self-exaltation prevents clearly discerning Christ's character and doing His work.8T 211.1+1 Those who know truth in God's Word are to live and defend it as it is in Jesus, reflecting Christ's spirit and character.Ms 83, 1903, par. 27–28
Genuine defense joins transformed lives to words by receiving sanctifying principles into heart and daily conduct, looking to Jesus and reflecting His character and spirit with Christlike tenderness, meekness, humility and sympathy for the poor, lowly and oppressed, for professed knowledge without transformation is empty.RH Apr 24, 1913 It means bearing the message Christ bore by a sanctified daily life copying His purity, setting right example for seekers, speaking and acting as a savor of life while holding the Word as guide amid evil, vice and seducing spirits, refusing retaliation when gainsayers play on words and ridicule sacred things, knowing every word is recorded in heaven.Ms 182, 1905, par. 13 It means living out truth, showing its uplifting character, and trusting fully in Jesus who is ready to help.Lt 172, 1899, par. 4 Standing firmly may require self-denial, self-sacrifice, accepting counsel and bearing a cross, yet it is a noble act of courage worth remaining wholly on the right side despite cost.Ms 34, 1897, par. 42 Ministers must teach and warn faithfully in meekness and wisdom without conforming to the world, and parents must stand up for Jesus by governing and training children by God's Word, since children are God's gifts and faith is God's gift not originating from self.Ms 34, 1896, par. 2+2 Parental firmness requires studying the Bible in faith, drawing near to God, humbling self for an understanding heart to know, believe and obey every word from God's mouth, living and teaching unitedly always from principle never from impulse, warning against carelessness and deficiency in piety.Ms 34, 1896, par. 2
The faith must be held firmly and not abandoned but proclaimed earnestly, boldly and without shame even when unpopular amid danger, hardship and reproach, declaring the final message of mercy while lives show Christ's refining grace.20MR 43.6–44.3 God's agencies near the end herald salvation and stand firmly in this faith strengthened by Christ, with lives revealing the gospel's power to save and form righteous holy character from a firm foundation not easily moved.18MR 137.1–4+1 Hearing truth clearly and using opportunities to learn it establishes students in that faith.Ms 69, 1897, par. 38 The faith is a foundation in which workers must be firmly rooted and grounded to present truth as it is in Jesus and show plainly they are on the Lord's side.Ms 45, 1902, par. 8 It was given by Christ in His ministry of the Word as believers' treasure and inheritance, to be guarded by humbling heart and soul, shutting out selfishness and Satan's suggestions, receiving Christ's grace anew and letting the great Teacher make truth part of being through daily practice of Christ's virtues including Sabbath observance sought with much prayer for heavenly wisdom, so its heavenly character shines in clearness and purity.Lt 68, 1909, par. 7–8
Contending will always be necessary, keeping Christ's model character before the mind and ever striving for perfection while forming character for everlasting life in constant warfare against passion's slavery.21MR 169.4 Loving God supremely and neighbor as self requires inch-by-inch warfare for the heart when God works to bring it into conformity to His will, with continual determined resistance because Satan opposes reformation with all might to prevent spiritual life and living connection with power and to turn words and works to his service.Lt 9, 1896, par. 6–8 Victory comes only as the Holy Spirit works with the human agent, not in his own armor but in the whole armor of God, while living truth received in the heart makes men right and keeps them right and works from inward to outward upon all faculties, against the greatest enemy in hereditary and cultivated tendencies.Lt 9, 1896, par. 6–8 This requires daily spiritual struggle and perseverance in choosing Christ as King, fighting to hold and defend the given faith and to hold the new life formed within that makes men like Christ, for deciding to ignore truth to follow an evil heart's imagination shuts one out of heaven.Ms 11, 1896, par. 5–6+1
Earnest decided testimony to the reasons of faith, true pillars and old evidences must be given especially when theories uproot past experience and remove landmarks, with God's people understanding them and having them revived.Ms 99, 1909, par. 30–32 Aged men of experience are to be preserved to bear this testimony with clear firm defense, and all need anointed eyes to see clearly and discern the true pillars, understanding grounds and past experiences and resisting uprooting theories.Ms 99, 1909, par. 30–32+2 Contending not in doctrine only but in the spirit and power of godliness with living testimony and power from on high assaults darkness, so the prince and powers of darkness raise defense and opposition, reproach and persecution quickly arise as in the martyrs' days.TBC1882b 9.3–11.1+1 Truth and holiness are hateful to Satan and the unrenewed heart and carnal mind, while mere form, profession and pretense meet no resistance.TBC1882b 9.3–11.1+1 Despising the delivered faith is the danger of skepticism, for those who do not seek God can be blinded by temptation, become self-confident, ignorant of peril and vulnerable to unbelief, and reject the entrusted faith that must be earnestly upheld and defended.RH Dec 28, 1916+1

Jude 1:3 is an urgent call to defend the faith delivered to the saints because false teachers can slip in unnoticed, turning God's grace into license for immorality and denying God and Jesus Christ.Ms 94, 1903, par. 22–27 In the last days such false teachers become actively zealous, presenting all kinds of theories to divert minds from the very truth that defines the safe position, while Satan works with power upon religionists to make a pretense of righteousness without placing themselves under the Holy Spirit's guidance.Ms 94, 1903, par. 28 This contending resists distortion of Scripture to support teachings contrary to its plain statements, such as the claim that sinners are made ready for heavenly bliss after death, which encourages carnal security.4SP 359.2–360.1

Instead of contending for that faith, the church upheld and defended traditions that corrupted biblical doctrine.GC88 298.2 Protestant churches seeking the world's favor apologize to Rome for condemning her errors rather than standing in defense of the faith once delivered.GC 571.4+1 Blinded by false charity they beg pardon for bigotry, a departure showing how far Protestantism has degenerated since the Reformers, whose principles are thus degraded when the original faith is abandoned for perverting traditions.GC 298.2+2

Accepting worldly favors and honors under pretense of helping the church leads away from the delivered faith toward human traditions rather than declaring truths that exclude lovers of pleasure and friends of the world.SG1 124.2 When traditions are given precedence and separating truths are avoided, the church loses God's favor and power.SG1 124.2+1

The faith once delivered must be guarded against persuasive philosophical speculation that charms minds away from that faith and from a clear grasp of God's Word.STB 48.3 That faith is the interpretation God has given, to be held earnestly against revealing Scripture in a supposed new light, for substituting human interpretation for God's interpretation uproots faith and makes infidels, and continuing in such work opens the door to depart from the faith and give heed to seducing spirits.Ms 62, 1905, par. 24–25

Any sentiments denying the truth deny that faith, and bringing minds by hypnotism and spiritualism to endorse such denial opposes it.Ms 168, 1907, par. 4 Earnestly contending means standing united on the grand foundation principles of faith and exposing Satan's art of captivating minds, including prying into magical science and secret mind-over-mind influence, in its true light.Ms 127, 1905, par. 25

In the perils of the last days the established truth for this time stands as a foundation whose stones and pillars must not be moved.Lt 237, 1904, par. 19–22 Some depart from it by giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils, including hypnotism and the beautiful theories of Living Temple, which confuse minds and destroy confidence in the faith once delivered.Lt 237, 1904, par. 19–22+1 This is the alpha of danger with an omega of most startling nature still to come, present even in the church and its institutions, where those who reject the Spirit's warnings lose discernment of their danger and become agencies through whom the enemy works with hypnotic power to draw souls from Christ.Lt 237, 1904, par. 19–22+1 Contending therefore means taking decided position apart from those determined to make shipwreck of the faith, refusing to sell the Lord at any price, refusing to listen to or examine sophistries brought to make truth of none effect, bearing plain testimony against linking with the departed, watching, and drawing near to God who will keep what is committed to Him.Lt 237, 1904, par. 19–22+1

The faith once delivered is the knowledge of the truth already given, to be kept by standing firm as a rock and refusing to be drawn from God-given work even when misjudged and falsified.19MR 309.2+1 Those given that knowledge who do not keep it become active agencies through whom Satan come down with great power impedes the progress of God's cause.19MR 309.2+1

That faith can be stolen person by person through seductive influence in long talks given when weary and perplexed and unfit to talk.Lt 263, 1904, par. 14–15 It is lost by listening to and agreeing with brilliant, sparkling, charming sophistries flashing from a mind worked by the great deceiver, charming hearers as Eve was charmed by the serpent, so that no one can listen to them and at the same time keep a Thus saith the Lord in mind.Lt 263, 1904, par. 14–15

This contending is the conflict of error against truth, for Christ has made conscience free yet truth must fight its way into the heart.Lt 2c, 1892, par. 15–16 Those who seek uprightness and holiness, yield the heart to Jesus, and obey God's commandments face increasingly definite opposition and persecution from rejecters of God's will, and when the newly believing witness to the faith their witness brings the same contest where error condemns truth.Lt 2c, 1892, par. 15–16

Its principles do not change even when people apostatize and turn from it, so preserving it requires sleepless vigilance against those who speak falsely and draw others away.Lt 4, 1897, par. 11–12 That defense means guarding carefully against linking with those who handle sacred things wrongly, while giving hearty cooperation to God's appointed workers who give the trumpet a certain sound.Ms 27, 1907, par. 47–51+1

The inherited apostolic faith is grounded in God's written Word rather than in newly received beliefs or Rome's errors, and the Waldenses contended for it as received from earlier generations, preserving the truth committed to God's people even while withdrawing to worship freely.GC88 63.2–64.1+2 From the mountain heights of the Piedmont Alps their seclusion helped maintain purity of doctrine, so they stood as a long line of witnesses protesting Rome's corruption and seeking to worship in peace according to the Word even amid collision on every side.GC88 63.2–64.1+1 Yet their course still needed elevation, since true progress did not mark it and they remained tinctured with Rome's customs.Ms 62, 1886, par. 74

The truth for which Reformers risked their lives is the same faith loyal believers must defend under pressure in the present crisis, upholding the pure gospel of Old and New Testaments against human tradition, corrupt fables, compromise and fraternizing with popery.Ms 30, 1889, par. 73–79+1 That defense exalts God's law, holds to the faith of Jesus, and maintains religious liberty, going to all nations, tongues and people to call many out of the world and out of the churches to see the coming battle, give certain warning, and stand for worship according to conscience.Ms 30, 1889, par. 73–79+1 God and angels watch from heaven and mark the earnestness and zeal of the defenders.Ms 30, 1889, par. 73–79+1

Through centuries of persecution faithful workers defended the entrusted faith, often dying at their post while the church's building advanced through their service.AA 597.3–598.2 Christian teachers who valiantly defend it bless and guide many, as Baxter, Flavel, Alleine and others did even when proscribed and outlawed by worldly rulers.4SP 175.1+2 Ministers likewise courageously upheld that faith despite the opposition of worldly rulers.GC 252.3

Churches in Denmark, Sweden and Norway stand in defense of the faith once delivered, yet workers are still needed in every city and the little companies raised up need encouragement and instruction to continue standing.Ms 51, 1886, par. 4–5 For the churches in Greater New York holding fast the profession means remaining firm while walking in the light, praying in simple trust in Jesus as Redeemer, loving one another as He loved, and living so life reflects rays of light to save perishing souls.7MR 101.3–102.1+1 All who join in selling Christ's Object Lessons find opportunities to stand by helping and comforting the sick, thereby learning better than ever how to approach God in and through the faith of Christ.Ms 18, 1901, par. 9–10

When Satan claims the world a little commandment-keeping company withstands his devices by holding and fighting for the faith first given to God's people, even while he sets himself to destroy them and God stands as their tower of defense.RH Sep 17, 1901 In the time of a decree requiring worship of the beast and its image, that faith means confidence in God's commandments and the faith of Jesus even when the religious world voids God's law.5T 525.2 Those who waver and follow apostates teaching doctrines of devils will stand with rejecters of God's law unless they repent and firmly take their stand.5T 525.2

When God's people remain distinct from the world and practice righteousness, God defends them so that weapons formed against them do not prosper, and opposition and falsehoods strengthen those who remain steadfast.5T 601.2 But when those entrusted with His law transgress it, protection is withdrawn and many fall through perversity and licentiousness.5T 601.2

To the very close of time the work grows deeper and more earnest, and all laborers together with God contend most earnestly without being turned from the present message that is already lightening the earth with its glory.Ms 32, 1896, par. 34–37 Nothing is worth contending for but the glory of God, the only rock that will stand is the Rock of Ages, and truth as it is in Jesus is the refuge in days of error while divisions enter and wheat and tares grow together for the harvest.Ms 32, 1896, par. 34–37 Truth safeguards those firm in the faith, and wilderness history with the warnings given to Israel instructs last-day seekers of the heavenly Canaan.Ms 110, 1899, par. 6–9

God's last-day people hold fast the original faith and are not easily moved, standing as bold soldiers of Jesus Christ with feet on solid rock and not on sliding sand, having tasted the powers of the world to come.Ms 51, 1900, par. 25–26 Their Leader strengthens them to cope with difficulties, and as messengers of righteousness and representatives of Christ they reveal the triumphs of grace.Ms 51, 1900, par. 25–26 Faithful keepers rejoice in hope of the final reward and the place the Father has prepared.LSEGW 463.1

Even when those in responsible places fail to work out right principles, believers remain faithful and true, trusting Jesus to stand at the helm and carry His work forward even if some make shipwreck and He must bring it forward on a different platform managed by different men.Lt 177, 1896, par. 5–8

The faith is to be earnestly sought and preserved through work and prayer, joined with unity in God, the spirit of the third angel's message, and awareness that the end is near.Ms 93a, 1899, par. 16–19 It is to be spoken publicly with freedom to believers, outsiders and First-day Adventists, and when spoken it is heard, felt and heartily responded to, calling every church to be a living missionary working church.Lt 110, 1890, par. 1–2

That sacred eternal truth God Himself has caused to stand firm amid last-day heresies and delusions is proclaimed by the remnant as the last message of mercy, the last warning, and the last invitation to the marriage supper of the Lamb, through whom God fulfills symbolical prophecy.Lt 40, 1895, par. 2 Standing nobly for it brings testing and trial that will become still more sore.Lt 40, 1895, par. 2