16:26Matthew 16:26

To gain everything this world can offer while forfeiting one's own eternal life is not profit at all but irrecoverable loss, for once the soul is lost no wealth, honor, position or possession can ever buy it back.Ms 146, 1899, par. 1–2+4 One soul outweighs the whole world and all its property, pleasure and glory, and its immeasurable worth is known only at Calvary where Christ redeemed it with His own blood as a matchless ransom.Lt 2, 1855, par. 10–11+3 It is the word of Jesus to His disciples calling them to deny self, take up the cross and follow Him, for whoever seeks to preserve his life by avoiding the cross will lose it, while whoever loses it for His sake will find it.3MR 93.2–3+3 It looks forward to the coming of the Son of man in the glory of His Father with His angels to reward every man according to his works, when earthly treasures prized above heavenly riches will be swept away in a moment.Lt 354, 1907, par. 1–3+2 Therefore heaven is worth any cost of sacrifice, conflict and toil, and means, influence and life itself have true value only as they are used in unselfish service to advance God’s kingdom and save souls.Ms 156, 1904, par. 47–51+3

The saying is the word of Jesus to His disciples in His call to deny self, take up the cross and follow Him, where whoever will save his life shall lose it and whoever will lose his life for His sake shall find it.Lt 354, 1907, par. 1–3+2 It is joined to the coming of the Son of man in the glory of His Father with His angels to reward every man according to his works, which some then standing there would live to see in His kingdom.Lt 354, 1907, par. 1–3+2 In that pathway heavenward self-denial and the cross lie directly before the follower, so that to shun the cross in order to save the temporal life is to lose the soul, heaven and life with God and to gain nothing in return.Ms 44, 1886, par. 1–2+2 Gaining the whole world and everything it offers profits nothing if a man loses his own soul, for the soul and everlasting life are of greater worth than all earthly gain and possessions, and once lost nothing can be given in exchange for it.3MR 93.2–3+4 The warning therefore falls on those who try to preserve life here by selfish, worldly choices instead of becoming self-denying followers, pressing the incomparable value of the soul and calling to self-sacrifice and faithfulness rather than worldly advantage.Ms 7, 1866, par. 6–7+2

Accepting Christ as Saviour in this setting means accepting Him as King and Ruler, placing defects of character under His control in order to be brought into harmony with Him.Ms 73, 1899, par. 7 Very little true submission is seen, and unreasonable and unholy outbursts of passion dishonor Him and bring remorse, darkness and reproach, so there is great need to be holy and pure and to have an abiding Christ who speaks peace to the soul.Ms 73, 1899, par. 7 The saying was spoken to the first disciples as special instruction after a short time in prayer, to prepare them for the trial of faith they must endure in His rejection and crucifixion by the Jews and to warn them what they might expect in following Him.Ms 126, 1907, par. 2+1 It belongs to the foreshadowing of the cross, asked as He was about to give His life for human souls, His willingness to give His life to win men back to loyalty showing that a person's life is worth more than the whole world.Ms 203, 1899, par. 1–2+3

Before taking humanity He knew beforehand the suffering ahead, yet chose to do God's will.DA 410.1 In that light partaking in His glory requires partaking in His reproach, suffering, self-denial and humiliation, and His suffering must be completed and His experience repeated in all believers through all time.Ms 203, 1899, par. 1–2 Avoiding self-denial and the cross to preserve life leads to losing it, while His great infinite sacrifice in coming from heaven to this earth has made a way of escape and salvation so that men might be saved.3MR 93.2–3+1

One soul is worth more than the whole world and all its wealth, property, honor, pleasure and glory, and gaining everything the world offers cannot make up for losing it.Lt 2, 1855, par. 10–11+4 No price, money, lands, education, honor, position or riches can pay its ransom or serve as an exchange for it, and worldly possessions and efforts to preserve life here are worthless if they lead to eternal loss.Lt 2, 1855, par. 10–11+4 The world’s approval, ridicule or denunciation matters little when the soul’s interests are at stake, and it is far better to have shattered hopes with God’s approval than to sit with princes and forfeit heaven.Lt 2, 1855, par. 10–11+1 Earthly riches are being exalted above eternal riches, yet the verse presses the incomparable value of the soul and calls for self-sacrifice and faithfulness rather than worldly advantage.3MR 93.2–3+2

Its immeasurable, inestimable worth is known only at Calvary and through the cross.Lt 2, 1855, par. 10–11+2 God created humanity in His image and Christ redeemed the soul with His own blood, giving His life, His only-begotten Son and all heaven as a matchless ransom, which the Father was satisfied to pay to manifest wisdom, mercy and love.DA 410.2+4 Its value includes its spiritual opportunities, its potential when strengthened by God’s word, and the immortality it may receive through the Life-giver if obedient, with a life and riches of reward prepared for those who overcome in the kingdom of glory.GW92 375.3+1 Christ’s willingness to give His life to win people back to loyalty shows the value of the lives He came to save, so earthly wealth is insignificant beside it and saving souls is the chief aim.DA 410.2+1

Beside one soul the whole world and all it admires sinks into insignificance, and worlds sink into insignificance beside it.6MR 2.2+2 A soul redeemed and cleansed from sin, with its powers dedicated to God, has surpassing wealth and dignity that even a poor person possesses, which no wealth or dignity the world can give can compare with, and heaven rejoices over each soul redeemed.SC 125.3–126.2+2 Through divine power even ignorant, superstitious and degraded beings may be saved, elevated, sanctified and ennobled, and winning one to Christ can bring light to others and help save them.6T 21.2–22.1+1 One man’s soul was worth more than ten thousand worlds like this, as seen in Chapin’s rescue from spiritual darkness which still required him to undo his work at Hamilton and act rightly for eternity.18MR 13.2+1

The loss of even one soul is a calamity infinitely outweighing the gains and treasures of a world.GC88 21.1+2 As Christ looked on Jerusalem the verse measures the doom of a whole city and a whole nation once God’s chosen and peculiar treasure, whose day as a nation favored and blessed of God was ending and whose probation would close at the crucifixion of the Son of God.GC88 21.1+3 Punishment is measured by heavenly light shone upon them and turned away from, and His tears on the crest of Olivet were not forced by knowledge of His own coming agony, suffering, humiliation and shame on the cross, but by having to give up the people for whom God had done so much.Ms 134, 1902, par. 6+1 Christ sets such value on a single soul that He would have passed through the agony of Calvary to save even one for His kingdom, and because He died for that one He will never abandon him but hold him fast unless he chooses to leave Him.Ms 197, 1903, par. 9–10

To gain the whole present world, with all its pleasures and glory and glittering earthly things, while losing the soul and eternal life brings no profit but eternal, irrecoverable loss that cannot be undone.Ms 38, 1886, par. 7–8+4 A person cannot have both this world and the world to come, and many exchange their souls for this present life, but that bargain ends in loss.Ms 38, 1886, par. 7–8+1 Temporal things must not govern life or come between a person and duty to God, and those sanctified through the truth keep duty first even when truth brings reproach, suffering and trial over temporal things.Ms 38, 1886, par. 7–8+1 Choosing earthly treasure and property over the heavenly reward is a disastrous exchange, for the soul is worth more than the whole world and no earthly possession can make up for its loss, so the entrusted work of God must not be neglected in pursuit of property but means and influence faithfully used in His service.4T 46.1–47.1 Overcoming as Christ overcame is infinite gain, and heaven is worth any cost.LC1 183.3

Once the soul is lost nothing can be given in exchange for it, and no price or worldly gain can compensate for it.ST Jan 18, 1899+3 No money and lands can pay its ransom, and no education, honor, position or riches can buy back the life lost or avail at the great judgment.Ms 146, 1899, par. 1–2+2 Earthly riches are exalted above eternal riches when people become so absorbed in material gain that eternal realities are forgotten, and the need is to see the greater value of eternal things, the glory of God and the treasure He offers, which are worth more than gold and silver.ST Jan 18, 1899+1 The soul's eternal interest is more important than worldly gain in following Christ and being accountable when He comes to reward each person, so there is no time to lose but to come at once into active working order with God.Ms 17, 1910, par. 2–4+1 Worldly pleasure and possessions are fleeting, life may end suddenly by disease, accident or death leaving a person unready, and the call is to choose loyalty to God rather than rebellion and to value eternal life above the world.Lt 15, 1899, par. 9–11

A man sells himself cheaply, and in a very cheap market, when he spends life securing worldly advantages and gathering earthly estate and possessions with his time, strength and abilities.Ms 146, 1899, par. 1–2+2 That ambition to gain earthly estate fills the mind with business until God is forgotten, true godliness is displaced, truth and the kingdom of heaven seem less valuable, self-interest is put ahead of care for others, and no need of Christ is felt, bringing loss to all eternity.Ms 146, 1899, par. 1–2+3 At death he must part with all he has gathered, others take the wealth for which he bartered hope of eternal life, and material gain cannot make up for losing the soul.Ms 10, 1885, par. 8+1 It is far better to have shattered hopes and the world's denunciation with God's approval than to sit with princes and forfeit heaven, for no one can serve God and mammon.Ms 146, 1899, par. 1–2+1

The exchange also means a man will give everything in exchange for his soul, shrinking from no sacrifice to attain purity of heart that will stand approved before God.GC 123.2 A sinner convicted of sin and seeking pardon and peace by works will rob himself of sleep and food, endure drudgery and humiliation, and lead a rigorous life of fasting, vigils and scourgings to subdue the evils of his nature and obtain heaven.GC 123.2 He will continue such mortifications even to death and to loss of strength, fainting spasms and despair when the burdened soul finds no relief.GC 123.2

To come after Christ is to deny self, take up the cross and follow Him, for the cross with its reproach, humiliation and suffering lies directly in the pathway heavenward.Ms 44, 1886, par. 1–2+4 Saving the life by shunning that cross and refusing self-denial loses the soul, while losing the life for His sake finds it.Ms 44, 1886, par. 1–2+4 Sharing His glory requires sharing His reproach, suffering and self-denial, relinquishing worldly hopes, pomp and pleasure, and His suffering and experience must be completed and repeated in all believers through all time.Ms 44, 1886, par. 1–2+2 The call was given to the first disciples after prayer as special instruction to prepare them for the trial of His rejection and crucifixion, in view of the Son of man coming in the glory of His Father with His angels to reward every man according to his works.Lt 354, 1907, par. 1–3+2 The infinite sacrifice of coming from heaven to earth opened a way of escape so that men might be saved, and gaining everything the world offers cannot make up for losing the soul, heaven and life with God.Ms 44, 1886, par. 1–2+2

Accepting Christ as Saviour is accepting Him as King and Ruler, and defects of character must be placed under His control before the life can be brought into harmony with Him.Ms 73, 1899, par. 7 Very little true submission is seen, and unreasonable and unholy outbursts of passion dishonor Him and bring remorse, darkness and reproach.Ms 73, 1899, par. 7 There is therefore great need to be holy and pure and to have an abiding Christ speaking peace to the soul.Ms 73, 1899, par. 7

Overcoming as Christ overcame is infinite gain, and heaven is worth any cost, while gaining the whole world with all its pleasures and glory at the loss of the soul is eternal and infinite loss.LC1 183.3+3 The soul is precious because Christ shed His blood to redeem it, and following Him calls for self-denial and earnest service to win others.SLP 282.2–3+2 Winning Christ through self-sacrifice brings infinite gain and eternal riches, whereas choosing the world over Christ leaves a person truly poor, since worldly wealth or honor cannot compensate for the soul.SLP 282.2–3+2 Demas traded high and noble things for worldly gain and was left poor despite any wealth or honor, while Mark accepted suffering for Christ and gained eternal riches as an heir of God and joint heir with Christ.RH Dec 14, 1911

True success is the favor of God given to every unselfish work done for Him, and only work done in simplicity and Christlike humility with longsuffering, kind love is approved in heaven.Lt 23, 1890, par. 45 However long the experience and however abundant the labor, without that humility and love a person is as nothing before God, and pride, self-complacency and lovelessness destroy efficiency in work.Lt 23, 1890, par. 45 Keeping the future life in view means answering before God how life has been spent and is now lived, whether one walks in the light as a consistent Christian, and whether precept and example lead those labored for to greater self-denial, self-sacrifice and consecration.Lt 23, 1890, par. 51–52 It means reviewing the closing year to meet the record with joy and not grief, accounting for hours given to self-service and for souls that might have been saved but are lost, being judged by the record books of heaven, laying off the armor only when the work is well done, bringing golden sheaves to Christ, sitting with the Man of Calvary upon His throne, and avoiding a starless crown.Lt 23, 1890, par. 51–52

Obtaining heaven, a treasure of infinite value and life with God, may require effort, conflict, toil and great sacrifice, just as even perishable earthly treasures require effort and sacrifice.3T 255.1 No cost is too great for such a treasure, since gaining the world cannot compensate for losing the soul.3T 255.1

Getting rich by clever schemes, sharp dealing, fraud, oppression, double dealing, unjust deeds and speculation, taking advantage of others, robbing the treasury and withholding entrusted money that should relieve suffering and advance the gospel, gives no peace or justification before God, hardens the soul, is witnessed by the Lord, and will be found to be eternal loss.Lt 131, 1900, par. 24–27+4 Such gain gotten through fraud and unfair dealing sacrifices the soul to mammon, and no material profit can compensate for losing the life that matters eternally.Ms 12, 1897, par. 18–20+2 Dishonest dealing may bring prosperity, but it sacrifices integrity and sets a person on the road to perdition, while enduring honor and riches are the reward of faithfulness.ST Feb 7, 1884+1 A receiver who is not a producer robs God of His property and glory, refuses to cooperate with Christ, loves to be thought rich yet becomes poorest, loses heavenly treasure because earthly riches made the gospel treasure lose value, and no position and no riches can buy back the life lost.Lt 131, 1900, par. 24–27 Kindly deeds and generous actions by contrast are recorded for eternity, though their full worth may not be seen in this life, and eternal interests outweigh all business and worldly gain.4T 490.2+1

Holding back tithes, gifts and offerings to increase earthly treasure is no profit at all, because gaining the whole world means nothing if the soul is lost.Lt 30, 1893, par. 30–33 Withholding from God robs Him of His own and brings a curse, while doing His expressed will in returning the portion He claims is the only happiness and safety.Lt 30, 1893, par. 30–33 Dishonest pursuit of profit and sports, games, contests and amusements that absorb people so they neglect God, waste lives and lose souls at races and football matches as though winning brought the crown of life, are confronted by the question which turns attention to heaven and God's glory.RH Sep 10, 1901+1 The soul is of greater worth than anything that could be given in exchange for it, and Christ uses this truth to warn against pursuits that consume attention and lead to waste or loss of life.RH Sep 10, 1901+1

Worldly recognition, rank, size and splendor are worth nothing beside eternal life.CH 227.5+2 In establishing institutions it forbids trying to compete with worldly institutions in size or splendor, since victory does not come by erecting massive buildings in rivalry but by cherishing a Christlike spirit of meekness and lowliness.CH 227.5+1 It is better to bear the cross and disappointed hopes and have eternal life at last than to live with princes and forfeit heaven.CH 227.5+1 Wealth gained for the Sanitarium is not worth the loss or discouragement of one soul through sacrificing a Christlike principle, for saving one soul is worth more than all the money contributed to establish it.HPMMW 9.1+1 Gaining distinction, position and honor is no profit if worldly ambition turns a person from unselfish service and leads to ruin of life now and in the world to come, and establishing a large sanitarium without the Lord's direction is no true profit, especially if it diverts needed means from work already established and from genuine needs in other fields.MH 403.2+1

Self-esteem is abhorrent to God and must be put away, and ambition to be first and do some great thing will cause loss of soul unless thoroughly transformed.Lt 182, 1903, par. 20–21+1 An unconverted self-exalting person will never enter the kingdom of heaven, and only by reconversion, by becoming as a little child, accepting Christ's estimate of character, ceasing boastful vanity, and depending wholly on Christ to exert Christian influence and let light shine in good works, can a person enter heaven and be entrusted with God's work.Lt 182, 1903, par. 20–21 The fear of sinful self-exaltation is a danger serious enough to threaten the soul, and affliction is a means by which God draws a person to Himself and preserves humility.LSEGW 71.4–72.2 Gaining one's own way can appear to be a victory but may cost the soul, and gaining a share of property or business is no reason to destroy it, for a heart controlled by a wrong spirit may misuse property demanded and bring serious harm to oneself and others.Lt 18a, 1891, par. 11+1 Those who would enter the kingdom must put away disunion, which they can do if willing, and must strive for victory at every step.Ms 86, 1910, par. 48

Saving a good name, reputation and worldly honor, even gaining everything the world offers, is a poor compensation for losing the soul and everlasting life.Ms 5, 1882, par. 17+3 People make that losing trade when they sacrifice eternal riches for temporary honor and temporary gain, and the few moments of earthly life should not be wasted seeking honor at the cost of this precious gift.Ms 5, 1882, par. 17+1 Eternal life is worth everything, because losing it means losing everything, and the value of the soul outweighs dignity or any worldly gain, so a person should confess and turn from sin rather than keep transgressing to protect reputation while Christ is still pleading.STB 366.2 The soul is worth more than worldly honor, possessions or power, as shown by willingness to give up crowns, goods and even lives rather than reject truth, and no other person can pay its ransom or save it from judgment, so fidelity to God must come first even when another's demands conflict, leaving consequences to God.GC 206.2+1 Young converts are called to sink self in Jesus and follow Christ's cheerful submission to humiliation, insult and mockery to secure truth and redemption, denying self and taking up the cross with decided action in keeping with increased light near the close of time.Ms 5, 1882, par. 17

Prolonged life or temporal gain cannot make it wise or safe to disregard God's will or break His barriers against Satan's power; any such apparent benefit becomes irrecoverable loss.5T 199.2+1 Surrender to ease, prosperity, comfort and increasing wants without self-denial endangers the soul.TEPD 2.1–2+2 Poverty can serve as a safeguard from that danger, while prosperity tests whether a person will use blessings faithfully, and no material gain can compensate for loss of the soul.TEPD 2.1–2+1 God in mercy may keep a man in the school of poverty to save his soul, will test him with prosperity to see whether his use of blessings accords with his faith, and if he follows his own will may come closer with affliction, disappointment and privation, able in a moment to remove wisdom and take away entrusted power, while left to himself he will surely ruin his soul.Lt 11b, 1886, par. 1–2 Those who surrender themselves to ease and prosperity suffer eternal loss.Ms 64, 1902, par. 24–25

Fixing eyes on earth and using Christ for worldly gain is to lose the soul, as with the man who asked Christ to divide his inheritance.Ms 77, 1903, par. 6–12 Though he had seen evidence of power and had opportunity to speak to the great Teacher for eternal life while the Spirit pleaded for him to become heir of the incorruptible inheritance and crown, like the man with the muckrake he saw not the crown and like Simon Magus he valued God's gift as a means of worldly gain.Ms 77, 1903, par. 6–12 Christ refused to be diverted from establishing the kingdom of grace to take up a dispute over land, answering that He was not made a judge or divider, because His work was striving to save souls and not to interfere in temporal matters or take up duties of a civil magistrate.Ms 77, 1903, par. 6–12 Seeking temporal enrichment and claiming large compensation for finite wisdom while dismissing God from the thoughts, praying scarcely at all, leaving eternity and heart devotion out of the reckoning, makes labor unacceptable to God.STBk 61.1 Such neglect is robbery of God that robs one's own soul and the souls of the family, leaving parents unfit to train children to keep the way of the Lord, exchanging hope of heaven for worldly gain by accepting Satan's bribe, so that if the tree is cut down it lies prone.STBk 61.1 Even great wisdom, talent and intelligence cannot make someone a safe guide if Christ does not live in him, and one who makes his own judgment supreme misuses entrusted wisdom, leads others into danger and should not be trusted.18MR 99.2–3

Temporal things must not govern life or come between duty and God, for a person cannot have both this world and the world to come.Ms 38, 1886, par. 7–8+1 Many exchange their souls for this present life, but that bargain ends in loss, and sanctification through the truth keeps duty to God first even when truth brings reproach, suffering and trial over temporal things.Ms 38, 1886, par. 7–8+1 The verse points to the future life, with a heaven to gain and a hell to shun, when the Son of man comes in glory to reward every man according to his works.Ms 38, 1886, par. 7–8 Jesus' salvation must not be neglected for business or worldly concerns, for gaining things of this temporary life is no profit if heaven is lost.Lt 22, 1870, par. 8 No step, plan, business arrangement or new pursuit should be taken at risk of the soul, and protection is found in turning aside often alone to implore God's blessing and seek Him, who will guide in counsel and afterward receive to glory, while faithfully using entrusted talents to do good wherever possible.Lt 2, 1886, par. 25 Life must be lived for the next world with unselfish thoughts and actions, making sacrifices for Jesus who has done all, laying up treasure above, and it is better to leave temporal matters undone than to put eternal welfare at risk.Lt 35, 1876, par. 16–17+1

Refusing obedience because a cross is involved can cost the soul, made clear when God judges every person and examines deeds and motives, with nothing in His work to be selfish or indifferent.5T 720.2 Giving in to temptation can cost the soul, for Christians face continual conflict needing strength in Christ to overcome, and the Master's work must be done in this life because there will be no second probation to finish it afterward.3T 453.1 Yielding to impressions and advancing on the downward road can mean losing a soul of great value with God, a loss no worldly gain can outweigh.5T 572.2 The cross must not be set aside for promises of gain or advancement, for faith is no barrier to anything worth more than the soul, and a soul is worth too much to be rashly thrown away through impulsive choices under temptation, while carelessness about divine realities must give way to choosing good, denying self, taking up the cross and following.RH Aug 4, 1910+2 The life held out to the faithful overcomer is life with God.Lt 15, 1897, par. 4

Saving temporal life by selling faith to Satan means losing the soul, for preserving life at cost of faith is no true gain.ST Aug 1, 1900 Avoiding heartache by staying silent when right must be defended can cost a rich reward and even the soul, while those receiving strength through faith to resist wrong and defend right may stand almost alone in severe conflict, yet God's grace sustains them and they gain precious victories.RH Jul 29, 1873 Keeping within self, doing as one pleases and carrying no burden for neighbors and sinners who have not heard truth results in losing one's own soul by being cut out of the vine for bearing no fruit, when the issue is eternal life or eternal death at Christ's coming.Ms 140, 1909, par. 10–13 To lose the soul in this way makes the coming of the Son of God, His agony in Gethsemane and His crucifixion vain.Ms 140, 1909, par. 10–13 An unchanged unholy character falling under temptation imperils the soul beyond compensation of worldly gain, and God will not sanction even the least underhand dealing to secure advantage for His work, requiring medical missionaries' actions to be as clear as day, proclaiming the gospel, never assuring the worldly man that unjust dealing is justifiable, and shunning customs founded on false basis.Lt 41, 1887, par. 10–11+1 Temporal interests must remain secondary to God's requirements, and putting oneself forward at expense of Christianity does not profit.RH Aug 15, 1907

Membership in secret associations such as the Freemasons will cause loss of soul.5MR 148.2–149.1 Lodges, their business control, transactions and meetings must all be given up, and to save the soul ties must be severed and business relations closed as fast as possible by accepting given light and acting on it.5MR 148.2–149.1 Intemperate habits enslaving even those in high positions should be turned from, using money spent on liquor, tobacco and appetite for preparing youth for usefulness.7T 58.4 Destroying God-given powers by indulgence sacrifices the soul for what cannot compare with it, while integrity, determined effort and moral strength through Christ can win victory over temptation which no money can buy.2RED 80.2–3 The struggle to overcome appetite is worth its cost because victory leads to the first resurrection and the overcomer's reward, and heaven is worth lifelong persevering effort to serve God and cultivate abilities, while disobedience and indulgence bring ruin and loss of immortal life.2RED 80.2–3+1 Parents must train children to obey God rather than let corrupt influences and disobedience shape them, valuing their souls above ease, comfort and convenience.Ms 9, 1893, par. 35–38+1 Nothing can be given in exchange for the soul, so children must be protected from harm and prepared to stand amid last-day temptations and perils, for one soul is worth more than the whole world.Ms 9, 1893, par. 35–38+2

Means, influence and money have worth only as they are used to advance the kingdom, send truth and the gospel to others, help the widow and fatherless and the hungry and naked, and save souls.Ms 156, 1904, par. 47–51+4 To gain the whole world is worthless if the soul is lost, for worldly wealth cannot buy the soul back or benefit its owner when Christ comes, and no money, education or worldly possession is an adequate exchange for a soul.Ms 156, 1904, par. 47–51+4 Stewards are therefore to value salvation above money and self-gratification, to be rich in good works and lay up a good foundation for eternal life, and by giving in faith to pursue eternal life and an unfading crown.Ms 156, 1904, par. 47–51+3 This same valuation calls for preserving human life and caring attentively and compassionately for people whose strength is failing and for the sick, rather than hardness of heart, and for refusing to waste means on pride and harmful pleasures.Ms 156, 1904, par. 47–51+2 One soul saved in God's kingdom is of greater value than all earthly riches, so using means and taking part in saving others matters more than keeping wealth, and with it comes responsibility for the spiritual welfare of those contacted, especially those closely connected.LSEGW 206.2+2

No circumstance is important enough to call a minister away from an interest raised by the presentation of truth, not even sickness and death, home interests, lands, houses or small temporal possessions.2T 540.1 Those who feel the importance of truth and the value of souls, for whom Christ made an immense sacrifice, will not leave such an interest for any consideration but will follow it up until all who lean toward truth have decided, experienced conversion, been baptized and united with some church or formed one themselves.2T 540.1 Ministers professing to have given themselves to the sacred work of saving souls under the high calling of God in these last days must not let temporal things engross mind and heart and divert them from the field of labor, but if lands or temporal interests draw them away they must leave all and possess nothing that influences them from the solemn work.2T 540.1

Mankind is one great brotherhood, and all are answerable to God for the souls of those with whom they are brought into contact, with closer connection bringing greater responsibility and the welfare of fellow men as the great interest.CET 214.2+1 None are excused from taking part in Christ's great work of saving fellow men, none have a moment to lose, and all must redeem the time and work diligently, going forth as the first disciples went to the byways and highways teaching truth, improving opportunities, using all powers and bearing fruit to God's glory.CET 214.2+3 If careless in the past there must now be earnestness, lest the blood of souls be found on garments.CET 214.2+1 One soul saved is of more consequence than all the riches of the world, indeed worth more to Christ than the whole world, so God's servants must not be idlers but laborers in the Lord's vineyard to win souls.TBC1872 108.2+2

A soul includes spiritual opportunities, its potential when strengthened by God's word, and the immortality it may receive through the Life-giver if obedient, since God created it and Christ redeemed it, while houses, land and money cannot equal its value.6T 21.2–22.1 To lose it is to lose eternal bliss, while winning one to Christ can bring light to others and help save them, with expanding results bringing further blessing and salvation as the one saved helps save others from death.6T 21.2–22.1+2 The worth of the soul is seen through Christ's cross and in view of eternity, and every soul rich or poor has a value that cannot be computed, beside which gaining the whole world sinks into insignificance, revealing infinite love beyond estimation.15MR 132.1+2 This calls for personal earnest determined effort, speaking the truth as it is in Jesus in season to those seeking truth, with practical care such as seeking work for a vulnerable young man rather than treating him indifferently.6T 21.2–22.1+2 One actuated by the love of Jesus loves as Christ loved and works as Christ worked, manifesting sympathy and compassion without failing or discouragement, a love kept pure and refined and elevated only by continual communion with Jesus Christ.ST Mar 19, 1894

A person's example can endanger and destroy other souls, and turning a soul away from God's word endangers that life and forfeits eternal bliss, for which those who lead others astray are accountable.STB 79.1–3+2 Losing one's own soul is a terrible loss and calamity, and it is even more terrible to act so as to ruin the souls of others, as thoughtless un-Christlike conduct can do.CH 605.1–2+2 Careless selfish conduct can spoil the life God intended, and following wrong inclinations can bind a person in unchristlike habits whose example leads others away from the hope of heaven, so the stakes reach beyond one's own life.STB 79.1–3+2 Those who represent Christ must therefore guard thoughts, words, habits, dispositions and character, and reveal God's character through personal holiness so they can help save souls.STB 79.1–3+1

Each patient is more than a bodily mechanism, having a soul to be saved or lost, which the physician must so regard.HL 266.5 The soul belongs to Jesus Christ and is of value with God, so nothing a man could offer can equal it in exchange, and its worth calls for looking to Jesus, partaking of the divine nature and practicing the character of Christ.HL 266.5+1 One soul is of more value in God's sight than the whole world, a truth that calls for action in service to souls including genuine medical missionary work with attentive compassionate care.Ms 193, 1905, par. 44–47+2 God's estimate of a human life is the life of His only-begotten Son given to save the lost, so no one whatever their status or background is to be treated with contempt, since Christ came to seek and save them even at great cost to Himself.ST May 28, 1912 Each person should therefore recognize this God-given worth without becoming proud or falsely demeaning himself, and the neglected and oppressed are to be educated and helped.ST May 28, 1912+1

Seeking authority for selfish ends, seeking own glory and to be first, exercising authority and lording it over God's heritage recklessly disregards souls that outweigh the world and results in loss of souls.5T 614.1+3 Costly buildings and worldly wealth are insignificant beside a soul bought by God through the gift of His Son, and gaining wealth even for the sanitarium by sacrificing one Christlike attribute or principle is loss, because it discourages souls and makes salvation more difficult.Lt 7, 1896, par. 5–6+2 Those who mistreat or drive people away from God must answer for the loss, and Christ will deal with those responsible for others as they deal with those under their care, so financial gain cannot justify oppression or loss of a worker's spiritual good.Lt 7, 1896, par. 5–6+2 Instead all must first reform themselves and conform life to the Pattern, humble themselves, bear the cross and walk in His footsteps, practicing self-denial and valuing each soul.5T 614.1+2 Those who deal with human minds must show self-control, patience, kindness, forbearance, courtesy, candor and consideration, doing justice and loving mercy, guarding the religious life and spiritual advantage of workers, giving time for personal religious culture, never oppressing in wages or authority, and laboring in Christ's spirit with sympathy and love rather than forcing, driving, oppressing, censuring or severing.Lt 22, 1890, par. 45–48+2

Each person has a soul to save or lose whose destiny outweighs every earthly gain, requiring preparation for future immortal life and helping families to prepare as well.Ms 155, 1904, par. 73

The verse sets before every person a heaven to gain and a hell to shun, for the Son of man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels to reward every person according to works.Lt 354, 1907, par. 1–3+3 It belongs to the call to deny self, take up the cross and follow, where whoever saves life loses it and whoever loses life for Christ's sake finds it, and partaking in His glory requires partaking in His reproach, suffering and self-denial, an experience to be repeated in believers through all time.Lt 354, 1907, par. 1–3+2 It was given after prayer as warning and special instruction to prepare the first disciples for the trial of faith in His rejection and crucifixion, teaching that gaining the whole world profits nothing if the soul is lost and nothing can be given in exchange for it, with some then standing there to live to see Him in His kingdom.Lt 354, 1907, par. 1–3+2 No earthly gain, even possession of the whole world, can make up for losing the soul, for a person cannot have both this world and the world to come, and temporal things must not govern life or come between duty and God.Ms 38, 1886, par. 7–8+2 Those who prize earthly riches, wealth and pleasure above heavenly riches may gain much for a time, but riches can be swept away in a moment and taken away when Christ comes, leaving life a failure and treasure worthless.Ms 38, 1886, par. 7–8+2

Self-denial and sacrifice for Jesus are not wasted or futile loss, for giving up comfort and family society for His sake is recorded by God and will receive its reward.LS 268.1–269.1+2 Present appearances and the small amount of visible good accomplished do not determine the value of a life spent in following duty and God's glory.LS 268.1–269.1+1 Kindly deeds and generous actions are recorded for eternity, though their full worth may not be seen in this life, while gain secured by taking advantage of others hardens the soul against the Spirit and is fearful loss that cannot make up for damage to the soul.LS 268.1–269.1+1

To lose the soul is to lose eternal life, bliss, heaven and all, for if a person is lost everything is lost and heaven is worth everything.STB 366.2+2 It is to have truth clearly set before the mind and refuse it because a cross is involved, and to be held in bondage by deception to sinful practice, which produces only a spurious religion.Ms 44, 1886, par. 6–7+1 Even a moment's thought of meeting God's strict justice and abhorrence of sin against continued impenitence, ending in punishment of the wicked and loss of eternal life, should make a person tremble unless the heart is hardened and calloused by worldliness and sin.TEPD 41.2+1 The soul is of worth that cannot be estimated, valued by the Son of God, and God is ready to pardon the sinner who comes in contrition and to reward the faithful and righteous, so eternal life must be valued enough to make sacrifice for it or it will be lost.Ms 44, 1886, par. 6–7+2 The Creator of heaven has right to the faculties He has given, and it is for a person's own good to give powers and heart to God and His service, a work each must do for himself that no other can do for him, obeying God even at cost of business loss so that Christ's death will not be vain on his behalf.Ms 44, 1886, par. 6–7+1

Worldly pleasure and possessions are fleeting, while life may end suddenly through disease, accident or death leaving a person unready and without excuse, so there is no time to lose but to come at once into active working order with God.Lt 272a, 1903, par. 1+2 The decision pressed is for time and eternity, whether to be servant of Christ or servant of Satan, loyalty to God rather than rebellion, and it must be made at once and chosen rightly.Lt 15, 1899, par. 9–11+2 Religion needed for it is both faith and practice, regulating the life as well as rectifying the heart, shaping conduct as well as devotion, for none can be a correct citizen without true piety, strictest integrity combined with purest devotion.20MR 71.2–3+2 Each has his own work none can do for another, giving God-given faculties and heart to His service for his own good lest Christ's death be vain, using means now to be rich in good works and lay up foundation for eternal life.Lt 272a, 1903, par. 1+2

Losing the soul forfeits its hope of heaven and an eternity of joy, an immeasurable loss expressing urgent spiritual danger.Ms 23, 1897, par. 21–23+2 Gaining every worldly advantage cannot compensate for it, and yielding to Satan's control to secure worldly success sacrifices spiritual and immortal interests at too fearful a price.Ms 23, 1897, par. 21–23+1 A soul is worth too much to be rashly thrown away even by impulsive choices under temptation, and it is better to suffer poverty, hunger or even death than to sin or act dishonestly.Ms 23, 1897, par. 21–23+1 The life held out to the faithful overcomer is life with God.Ms 23, 1897, par. 21–23+1