7:24Matthew 7:24

Everyone who hears these sayings and puts them into practice is like a wise builder who founded a house upon rock so it stands when rain, floods and winds beat upon it.STE 76.2+2 Everyone who hears them and does not practice them is like a foolish builder who founded a house upon sand so it falls with great ruin under the same storm.STE 76.2+2 The rock is Christ himself, his living Word in Scripture, and the enduring principles of his kingdom and law received in the heart.ST Aug 13, 1894+4 Hearing alone saves no one, for only hearing joined with doing the Father's will builds life and character securely enough to withstand trial, temptation and final judgment.HMW 41.2–3+4 Building wisely therefore means daily obedience in repentance, faith, self-denial and love, digging deep and laying character stone by stone upon Christ until it stands firm for eternity.Lt 308, 1903, par. 15–16+4

Whoever hears these sayings and does them is like a wise man who built his house upon a rock, so that when rain descends and floods come and winds blow and beat upon it, it does not fall because it is founded upon a rock.STE 76.2+4 Hearing must be joined with doing, for obedience lays the life on a firm foundation that withstands rain, floods, wind and every storm of trial.ST Aug 13, 1894+4 How a person builds is of great consequence, requiring a deep foundation riveted so floods do not move it, since salvation cost blood and every privilege is to be prized in pursuing a course that will stand the test of law unto an eternal weight of glory.Ms 5, 1885, par. 1–3 The words apply today and require deeper consecration, diligent work for salvation, obedience to commandments, acceptance of correction, humbling of heart, dying to self and sacrifice of will and pride in seeking the Lord wholly in order to be prepared for the holy city.Ms 101, 1906, par. 51–57

Everyone who hears these sayings and does them not is like a foolish man who built his house upon sand, so that when the same rain, floods and winds beat upon it, it falls and great is the fall of it.STE 76.2+4 Hearing without doing leaves life on an uncertain sliding foundation, vulnerable to ruin when calamity and storm come, in contrast to doing which builds on the rock and leads to steadfastness and eternal life.STE 76.2+2 Refusing to obey while persisting in one's own way and cultivated traits, even under deception while thinking to do the Lord's work, leaves a person as the foolish builder whose house falls greatly and who is forever lost.Ms 101, 1906, par. 51–57

The verse closes the Sermon on the Mount, delivered to the disciples with the gathered multitude also listening.DA 298.2–3+1 Its words are simple enough for the poor and unlearned to understand yet carry the authority of eternal life and provide a sure foundation for faith and practice.5T 253.2–254.1 They teach the foundation principles of the kingdom of God and the conditions of entrance into it, undoing false education centered on worldly greatness and giving a right conception of Christ's kingdom and character, leaving hearers to draw their own conclusions about its spiritual nature.DA 299.3 They teach the principles of a kingdom of divine grace rather than promising earthly glory or political deliverance, oppose the doctrines and practices of the self-righteous scribes and Pharisees by exposing human traditions and correcting misrepresentation of God, and remain no less important now than to the multitude that heard them.DA 299.3+2

Jesus ended with an illustration of startling vividness that those listening about the Sea of Galilee could see from the hillside. The valleys and ravines through which mountain streams find their way to the sea often disappear in summer into a dry and dusty channel, but when wintry storms burst upon the hills they become fierce raging torrents at times overspreading the valleys and bearing everything away on a resistless flood, sweeping away hovels reared by peasants on the grassy plain apparently beyond danger.Ms 27, 1886, par. 1–4 By contrast, high upon the hills were houses built upon the rock, in some places dwellings built wholly of rock, reared with toil and difficulty and not easy of access, their location appearing less inviting than the grassy plain, yet many had withstood the tempests of a thousand years and wind and flood and tempest beat upon them in vain. Though level accessible building places were nearby, the wise man chose the steep difficult site, and Christ drew this object lesson from facts of life and experience familiar to hearers, using everyday events and the surroundings of daily life to teach immortal truth and brighten toil with constant reminders of the spiritual and unseen.Ms 2, 1878, par. 5–6+3

The verse begins the parable of the men who built upon the rock and upon the sand, given to illustrate that not everyone who says Lord, Lord will enter heaven but only he who does the will of the Father, and that people are known by their fruits.Ms 94, 1899, par. 18–19 Building on the rock means hearing sayings and doing them and bringing forth good fruit in obedience, while those who teach truth yet are not doers fail to build on the rock, dishonor the Lord, and turn the weak out of the way.Ms 94, 1899, par. 18–19 The secure house pictures a life founded on Christ's words and obedience to them, established firm and unmovable and withstanding storms and tempest, and its question of whether a house is on solid rock calls each person to consider whether life is secure amid coming destruction and final retribution and to make the heart right through humility, self-denial and faithfulness.Ms 30a, 1896, par. 10–11+4

The rock is Christ himself, the eternal Rock and Rock of Ages, the living Rock and Saviour, the Word and revelation of God's character, law, love and life.ST Aug 13, 1894+4 To build on him is to receive him, lay the life on him, be riveted to him, trust him, stay connected to him, and build life and character on him as the only sure foundation and hope of salvation.ST Aug 13, 1894+4 Hearing his words must be joined with doing them by accepting his righteousness rather than relying on human merit, cherishing God's truth, obeying his words unto eternal life, consecrating talents to his work, and praying for the mind of Christ and divine grace to win souls.ST Aug 13, 1894+4 The house is the life that withstands trials, and a life founded on Christ must be built carefully and firmly, for storms, trials, persecution, opposition and reproach will test it, yet what is founded on him will stand, while hearing without doing leaves an uncertain sandy foundation vulnerable to ruin when calamity comes, as streams harmless in dry weather become destructive torrents in storm while houses on rock endure.Ms 27, 1886, par. 1–4+2 Inattention in hearing and negligence in doing grieves the Spirit and leaves want of spiritual life, so the larger number who profess present truth but are hearers and not doers do not endure temptation.Ms 21, 1888, par. 16–19

The rock is also God's living and enduring Word, contained in the Old and New Testaments, which remains when heaven and earth pass away.Ms 62, 1904, par. 11–15+3 Building on it means building faith on that Word and on Christ's words instead of on changeable pleasing scientific theories, human theories and inventions, and whatever is built on man's authority will be overthrown.Ms 62, 1904, par. 11–15+4 Hearing is not enough; by obedience Christ's words must be made the foundation of character and life by putting them into practice, so that the firm foundation withstands storms and floods.DA 314.3–4+3 God's word is the sure rule for doctrine and life, and the doctrines revealed in it with the truth in Jesus understood and received into the heart govern actions, make religious life more spiritual and affections more holy, and stand against the powers of evil while what is set against it falls.4SP 161.2–3+1

The rock is the enduring principles of the kingdom, the great rule of life, the law of God and the spirit of his law in the heart.DA 314.3–4+4 Christ's words embody God's law and character, and building on Christ means obeying his word, not merely enjoying righteousness or professing faith, keeping his commandments and the principles of his law even in business transactions instead of making a law for oneself.ST Jun 30, 1909+4 Righteousness is doing right and holiness is surrender to God, so obedience does not earn favor but responds in faith to his love with righteousness shown in works, genuine faith appearing in doing what God commands and being led by his Spirit, for holiness is not feeling or excitement but surrender and doing the Father's will.ST Jun 30, 1909+1 Salvation is not earned by good works, yet it is not mere profession either, and the doctrines and principles received into the heart govern actions unto greater spirituality and holiness of affection, while departing from God's law to build on human ideas of character produces self-commendation and pride, weakness and folly, and shows the life is not controlled by the Holy Spirit.RH Dec 31, 1908+2 Truth is pure, elevating and ennobling rather than degrading, and God's holy perfect law is the standard to uphold in standing firmly unmoved on the solid Rock.Ms 12, 1885, par. 8

Building on the Rock is trusting God's promises and statements of the living oracles known to be true, taking hold of him for sure support and unfailing strength.6MR 25.1–2+4 Those so built are purchased by his blood, find rest and lasting good, call upon Jesus and trust him as a child trusts earthly parents in felt need of help, love him and are loved and pitied and helped by him so that storm and tempest bring no loss and destruction, and set a high estimate upon the gospel, know God's glory in Christ, and wear his yoke in submission and consecration where alone rest is found.6MR 25.1–2+2 The Rock is God in Christ, full of mercy, love, goodness and truth seen at Calvary, the cleft Rock and refuge and everlasting strength whom Israel should have recognized by faith and witnessed to lest Jerusalem fall, and a sure foundation with supreme love for God leading to love of neighbor as self.6MR 25.1–2+2 For six thousand years floods and tempests of Satanic wrath have beaten upon that Rock yet it stands unmoved, and those built on him need not fear even as a handful against demons and evil men, for they cannot be overthrown.DA 413.3–4

Building on sand is building on self, self-righteousness, shifting human teachings and power, seductive arts, fluctuating feelings and pleasant excitement, earthly ambition, and love of self.DA 314.3–4+4 Such religion may profess and baptize yet has no hunger for righteousness, and when feeling changes hope departs and the tempest sweeps it away.DA 314.3–4+4 People have no righteousness or strength of their own, but when united to Christ and relying wholly on his atonement they receive his righteousness, pardon and support, becoming living stones through giving up self-righteousness, repenting with childlike humility and trusting his forgiving love, whereas outward effort to improve without that connection cannot secure, and yielding to wishes that conflict with God's Word is sand while standing firmly on principle and obeying Christ is rock.Lt 52, 1874, par. 12–14+2 A religious movement that discards foundational truth and removes God depends on human power and builds on sand that cannot withstand the storm, and a life built on any other foundation is like a house on sand that when tempest comes is swept away and its builder perishes.STB 382.3+1

A life built on Christ's words put into practice has a firm foundation that remains secure and unmoved through storms, while any other foundation is sliding sand and uncertain principles that cannot stand; the truth stands on an eternal Rock and cannot be moved.STE 80.4–81.1+4 The wise person hears Christ's teaching and does his will in steady effort, gentleness, meekness and love, receiving and living out his teachings and establishing faith firmly on the Eternal Rock rather than on other sources of wisdom.STE 80.4–81.1+4 Obedience makes the foundation secure against storms, tempests, persecution, trials and the coming time of testing, and a life built on Christ and lived by God's word stands firm in temptation transformed into his likeness, while a life not grounded in him falls with lasting ruin under temptation and judgment.STE 80.4–81.1+4

Doing these sayings means doing the will of the Father made known in the Ten Commandments, including the fourth commandment Sabbath exactly as written, following Christ who kept His Father's commandments.ST Sep 8, 1909+2 The rock is identified with God's commandments and the testimony of Jesus, and obedience builds the life on the rock so it withstands storm, temptation and trial.ST Sep 8, 1909+2 A profession of keeping God's law while acting against its principles, knowingly disobeying, clinging to cherished sin, or setting up a self-made standard of righteousness leaves hope without support like sand, weakens discernment, obscures precious light and shuts out the promised blessing of the Holy Spirit.Ms 27, 1899, par. 19–20+2 Christian character so built is to be positive and stable, marked by obedience to Bible truths so others benefit from the example, with keeping the commandments as the sign of love and of God's sanctifying work.Ms 24, 1891, par. 64

Entering the kingdom depends on doing the Father's will, not merely saying Lord, Lord.HMW 41.2–3+4 Even prophesying in His name, casting out devils, doing many wonderful works, outward religion, morality, influence and knowledge without being a doer does not give entrance, and ends in being disowned and told to depart as workers of iniquity whom He never knew, shut out as unfit for heaven's companionship.Ms 81, 1899, par. 11–12+4 Honestly thinking one is doing God service is not enough, for without doing His Word a person works at cross-purposes with Him, while words and works testify on which side a person stands through obedience to the Lord's word and response to the leadings of the Holy Spirit.Ms 81, 1899, par. 11–12+1 Doing means practicing the truth, following on to know the Lord, self-denial and self-sacrifice, confession of sin, reconversion and sanctification in soul, body and spirit, growth in faith and grace, and using the Lord's money to save souls perishing in ignorance instead of dress and selfish indulgence.Ms 141, 1907, par. 15–17

Hearing without doing does the hearer no good and leaves the life built on sand.Ms 2, 1878, par. 7+4 Benefit, eternal life and standing firm come only when hearing is joined with doing, for only those who both hear and practice obtain eternal life and build character on a solid foundation.Ms 2, 1878, par. 7+2 Mere agreement, profession of religion, baptism, strong feeling, choosing which teachings to follow, or speaking the highest truths cannot replace practice, for feelings can change and leave faith and hope to disappear, and a claim to believe is shown genuine only by obedience.Lt 14, 1885, par. 38–39+2 Hearing without doing is only a religion of words that cannot secure salvation.Lt 55, 1897, par. 26–29

Those who hear and do build wisely on the rock, a firm foundation that stands when storms, trials, tempests, hardship, danger and floods come.TEPD 43.2+3 Anything that can be shaken will be shaken to test what was built, exposing whether the structure is on solid rock or on sand and quicksand, while the hearer who does not live by God's words will fall.TEPD 43.2+1 Building on the rock means riveting the soul to the Eternal Rock by most diligent warfare against wrong thoughts and feelings expressed in words, staying connected with Him, trusting Him, following where He leads and for His sake crucifying the flesh with its affections and lusts, so that those connected with Him have happiness and the storms of earth are powerless to sweep them away.Lt 25, 1880, par. 9+2 When daily life is defective, without steadfastness of purpose and continually leaning to self-indulgence and self-excuse, character under trial develops unseemly seams and cracks and becomes like a tottering wall bowing over as if ready to fall to ruin, and many will find at last they have been building on sand.Lt 25, 1880, par. 9+1 Though obedience may look difficult or foolish to the world, the wise person receives Christ's words as truth and obeys them in practical life, and a life founded on His truth stands secure through storms and trials.Ms 102, 1898, par. 8–10

Hearing is not enough without faith placing the word in the heart and a character shaped by the word and pattern.16MR 272.1+2 God's transforming power changes the heart, and those who hear and obey reveal in conduct and character the Holy Spirit's inward work, with divine power shaping conduct, showing Christ as pattern and bearing witness that they belong to God.16MR 272.1+2 Superficial assent, mere profession, strong feeling unchanged in action, and accepting truth without conversion of heart is sand that adversity exposes, for when actions remain unchanged and no good fruit appears the experience is insecure.16MR 272.1+1 Savingly hearing means receiving His words in faith, giving them earnest heed and practicing them, with saving knowledge of Christ shown as living spiritual knowledge by obedience, and understanding their far-reaching principles requires the spirit of God's law to be in the heart since the heart's condition shapes life and character.ST Jan 27, 1898+1

Building on Christ means giving up self-righteousness, repenting with childlike humility and trusting His forgiving love to become living stones.Lt 308, 1903, par. 15–16+1 People have no righteousness of their own, but united to Him they receive His righteousness, pardon and support, with human effort joined to divine power, prayer and persevering effort for eternity, and practical obedience connected with love for Christ and keeping His commandments.Lt 308, 1903, par. 15–16+1 Righteousness is doing what is right, not merely enjoying or professing it, and holiness is surrendering to God and doing the Father's will, just as knowing about the promised land or singing about it did not give Israel possession until they entered and occupied it, trusted God's promises and obeyed His instruction. Receiving the word in faith gives power to obey, and following the light already given leads to greater light, so that character is shaped after Christ's and built point by point upon gospel truth practiced, standing firm when floods and storms come.Lt 308, 1903, par. 15–16 Belief that does not lead to obedience is presumption, while genuine faith and sincere discipleship appear in obedience bearing fruit in holiness, kindness and right-doing.

Building on rock is having faith with genuine foundation built on reason and sufficient evidence, knowing for oneself through diligent study, prayer and opened understanding rather than depending on others.Lt 4, 1889, par. 36–38+3 It requires studying Christ and His Word rather than what the world thinks, reasoning from cause to effect, inquiring diligently into divine truth, studying the Scriptures with purpose to understand salvation and see light upon the divine plan in promises and prophecies, spending much time on the knees pleading for God to open the understanding, and receiving deep conviction of the Spirit upon heart and mind so a person knows whether he believes truth or error.Ms 2, 1884, par. 9–10+2 Angels of God are round about those who seek in this way to help them.Lt 20, 1888, par. 2+1 Building on sand is believing without reason, accepting an idea because it harmonizes with preconceived opinions, resting satisfied with present imperfect knowledge, being lazy and inattentive instead of close Bible students, preaching much without individual research, and taking truth from the lips of others for granted without knowing it to be Bible truth, so that in trial and differences over Scripture such ones fall away.Lt 4, 1889, par. 36–38+2 Planting the feet on the eternal Rock means accepting the truth of God's Word rather than reshaping it to fit prior beliefs, laying preconceived opinions and hereditary and cultivated ideas at the door of investigation, not searching to vindicate own ideas or reading in light of former opinions and creed, but searching carefully and prayerfully with mind free from prejudice and contrite heart, giving up cherished opinions not in harmony with the Word, sitting as a humble seeker at Christ's feet, and becoming meek and lowly in heart in order to become wise unto salvation, with each hearer called to examine where and how he is building.Ms 2, 1884, par. 9–10+2

Doing His sayings means doing all possible good to high and low, rich and poor, happy and oppressed, and especially showing kindness, courtesy and love in the family to father and mother, husband, wife and child, looking to Jesus to catch His spirit, living in the light of His goodness and love and reflecting His glory, with no harsh rough word, no impatience and no spirit of recrimination, for faith works by love and purifies the soul.Ms 18, 1891, par. 14 It requires following His principles in every business transaction, loving people and seeking their good, keeping the way of the Lord to do justice and judgment, practicing high-toned integrity and purest equity with every transaction under God's inspection, keeping God ever before the mind and recognizing Him in each dealing, joined with much humble prayer acknowledging that God sees, so the soul is fortified with heavenly principles and great evils are averted.Lt 69, 1890, par. 6–7+1 Choosing one's own way instead of God's, even while claiming to be Christian and children of God, denies Christ and that profession.Ms 18, 1891, par. 14+1 Even without eloquence or public religious activity, one who faithfully does honest work and keeps sacred trusts is laying this foundation on the Rock by putting correct principles into daily practice, leading to a safe steady life in which hearers reap what they sow, with careful prayerful study of God's Word keeping a person well-balanced.15MR 69.3+1

The rain, floods and winds are storms, trials, temptation, persecution, opposition, reproach, adversity, calamity and judgment, which test what has been built and expose genuine faith as distinct from mere profession.Ms 25, 1906, par. 17–18+2 Hearing must be joined with obeying, for the wise hearer who does builds a life on a firm foundation that remains steadfast through trial and leads to eternal life, while hearing without doing leaves the life on an uncertain sandy foundation vulnerable to ruin when calamity comes.Ms 25, 1906, par. 17–18+2 The image is of streams that seem harmless in dry weather but become destructive torrents in storm, while houses founded on rock endure, so a life founded on Christ must be built carefully and firmly to stand when storms, trials, persecution, opposition and reproach test it.Ms 27, 1886, par. 1–4+1 Retaining self-confidence and rejecting correction leaves a person in danger of a fall, so repentance and obedience are necessary before it is too late, including in Battle Creek taking a stand against false theories and doing God's will from a sincere heart.Lt 360, 1905, par. 8–10+1 Doing His will means having eternal principles living in the heart, partaking of the divine nature, having anointed eyes to discern the enemy, having the life hid with Christ in God as a new supernatural divine life, feeling weakness, hungering for righteousness, trusting One mighty to save, valuing fellowship of those who serve God, keeping distinct from the world, and being changed by beholding Christ rather than acquiring a taste for the world.Ms 8c, 1891, par. 8–10 The beating storm includes Satan coming with specious temptations as an angel of light, with sophistry, deceptions, policy, subtlety and worldly molding influence constantly working to subvert souls, obliterate discipleship, draw God's servants into confederacy with enemies of truth, and turn feet into strange paths, culminating in the final overwhelming flood of wrath.Ms 8c, 1891, par. 8–10

Storms, tempests and floods beating about the house test whether the structure is on solid rock or on sand and quicksand.Ms 20a, 1889, par. 8–9+2 If built on sand, seams and cracks develop in the daily life and the house falls, revealing that knowledge and good impulses alone are not enough.Ms 20a, 1889, par. 8–9 The soul must be riveted to Jesus Christ as the Eternal Rock, for mere emotional stirring, church membership and union with human workers without firm union with Christ leaves religious life ill-balanced without underlying godliness, and such shaky professors will be shaken out and will not resist temptation.Ms 20a, 1889, par. 8–9 When grave departures from righteousness appear in those professing conversion, the foundation is at fault, and when temptation and trouble and times of testing come they expose the foundation, so that those not built on the solid Rock will yield to temptation and many will find at last they built on sand.Ms 20a, 1889, par. 8–9+2 The life of Christ come in humanity is the perfect model of one who preached and practiced His own teachings.Ms 20a, 1889, par. 8–9

At the final reckoning the wise will stand when rain, floods and winds beat, while a life not built on obedience will be swept away when God's wrath comes, so the warning must be given before it is too late.6T 16.1–3+2 Hearing joined with doing forms a character that will withstand the close test of judgment, because character built during probation is for eternity, whereas mere claims of religious works do not secure one who transgresses God's law and substitutes a personal standard for its requirements.Ms 5, 1885, par. 4–5 Those who obey build on a firm foundation so their house will stand when Christ comes and they are ready for heaven and a home in the earth made new, while those who do not obey build on sand and will fall.Ms 10, 1894, par. 28–30 Building on solid rock means making life's foundation secure before life ends, so as not to be moved when life's account is settled in the final judgment, and the time to examine that foundation and prepare for eternity is now.Lt 4, 1885, par. 16–17

The only safety for the unknown future is walking with Christ hand in hand with hearts filled with perfect trust, taking hold of His strength, keeping close to the Saviour, walking humbly with Him filled with His meekness, with self hid with Him in God.5MR 256.5–257.1+1 Hearing His sayings and doing them is hearing His voice and following Him as His sheep, who are held in Christ's hand and the Father's hand where none can pluck them out, like a house founded on rock that does not fall when rain, floods and winds beat upon it.5MR 256.5–257.1+1 Those who turn to Christ stand firm on eternal truth, while any other foundation is shifting sand, and spiritual life brings rest and lasting good that keeps a person secure through storm and tempest.MWISDAP 42.2+1 Trusting in oneself is building on sand and brings ruin when the tempest comes, while a life built on Christ's teaching received in living faith and put into practice will stand through the coming test and forever, yet it is not too late to escape ruin by fleeing to God the sure foundation before the tempest breaks, looking to Him for salvation and relying on His strength and support without shame, rooted in faith and relying on God's power to remain steadfast.RH Sep 22, 1910

How a person builds is of great consequence, and the foundation must be laid deep and riveted to the eternal rock so floods do not move it.Ms 5, 1885, par. 1–3+2 Salvation cost the blood of the Son of God, and everything possible has been done to bring people into right relation with God, so every privilege is to be prized, God's dealings are not to be questioned, and a course is to be pursued that will stand the test of His law unto an eternal weight of glory.Ms 5, 1885, par. 1–3 The wise builder digs deep, removes all rubbish, and builds on the immovable solid Rock which is Christ Jesus, the sure foundation in whom alone is salvation, striving thereby for immortal life.STE 77.2+1 One who follows Christ and lives by the truth stands on a sure foundation that neither flood nor storm can sweep away, with feet set on a firm sure foundation essential for standing through coming changes.Lt 289, 1905, par. 9+1

Hearing without doing leaves the house on sand that will move from under its builders when the storm of God's wrath breaks upon the world, and that discovery will be a terrible revelation.Lt 4, 1885, par. 16–17+1 Each person must therefore ask upon what foundation he is building, because building is striving for immortal life, and must dig deep, remove all rubbish, and build on Christ Jesus the immovable solid Rock in whom alone is salvation.STE 77.2+1 Building on solid rock means making a secure foundation for life before it ends, so as not to be moved when life's account is settled, and the time to examine that foundation and prepare for eternity is now.Lt 4, 1885, par. 16–17 Earnest feeling about the truth is never fanaticism or enthusiasm gone too far, and even those who have felt much must feel still more deeply.Ms 122, 1898, par. 11

The verse teaches character building as hearing Christ's sayings and doing them, which is like a wise man building his house upon a rock that stands when rain descends and floods come and winds blow and beat upon it, in contrast to hearing without doing, which is like a foolish man building upon sand whose house falls with a great fall.STE 76.2+2 Every person is the architect of character, building day by day with the intellectual and moral power God has given into a structure approaching completion, and character is formed through daily choices that reveal whether life rests on the eternal Rock or on sand.4T 656.3+3 The completed work will one day stand revealed just as it is, and the day of judgment will disclose who built wisely and who dishonored God's work by imposing personal principles, plans and spirit, resisting the Holy Spirit, or lacking self-sacrifice.4T 656.3+2 Now is the probationary time to take heed how to build upon the Eternal Rock by heeding and doing God's word, cultivating God-given powers to form characters fit for usefulness in this life and a higher life hereafter, with each person responsible for salvation and accountable for influencing others.4T 656.3+3

Character is a building for eternity that must be constructed carefully with good material to withstand the storm of temptation and to stand the final inspection, for deficiencies doom it to ruin while faithful construction enables it to stand the test.4T 588.1+1 Hearing and doing the Word lays the foundation of character on the solid rock, and the building, which is character growing for time and eternity, rises symmetrical and beautiful through pure, noble utterances and upright deeds, practicing what is taught and cultivating every God-given mental faculty.Lt 91, 1899, par. 9–10 If selfishness with its poisonous roots strikes into the heart the building grows unsymmetrical, for the mind is given by God but character is formed by man after the similitude of God or of Satan, since minds are either the workshop of God or of Satan.Lt 91, 1899, par. 9–10 Building wisely for eternity means working out salvation with fear and trembling in true self-knowledge leading to humility that opens the way for the Lord to develop the mind and mould and discipline the character, putting aside all plans that weaken spiritual life and all that is unessential for eternal life.CT 419.1 The foundation must be laid first before the building rises, and education and science alone cannot provide the discipline and everyday experience needed to face life's hardships.TBC1872 27.1+2

The wise man builds life and character upon the sure eternal Rock by pure, noble, upright deeds laid point by point, stroke upon stroke, stone upon stone every hour, with no flaw and every stone perfectly laid, so the finished structure is symmetrical and riveted to the Rock and can endure pressure and bear the test of storm and tempest in the day of test and revelation when each will be seen just as he is.8T 173.1+2 Each part must be carefully and rightly laid, for a flaw can weaken the whole structure, while pure, noble words and upright deeds give character the divine impress.8T 173.1+2 Selfishness or a single harmful character trait can distort that building and produce words or deeds whose evil influence remains, so the foundation must be the solid rock of obedience to the Word, not merely hearing it, that it may stand the final inspection.19MR 197.3–4+1 Building for time and eternity is God's work built with durability through co-working with God in harmony with Him, founded upon Christ, with good works, continual self-denial and self-sacrifice at every step, a mind of Christ, and refusal to murmur and complain under poverty and lack of means, whereby the heart grows strong.Lt 41, 1899, par. 4–5 All builders are tried, tested and proved to see if they have the right qualifications of character, and the storm of test and trial proves the building, showing whether the coin has the true ring, whether the heart is strong to bear and whether the conscience is void of offense.8T 173.1+1

A sound foundation built by hearing Christ's words and doing them is shown in a life prepared to withstand temptation with firm integrity and stability, in contrast to the unwise builder's sliding sand exposed when the storm comes, for a foundation resting on uncertain principles and shifting sand leaves a person without faith or stability.ST Aug 13, 1894+2 Stability and firmness of character depend on thorough training from the cradle in self-denial, self-control, trust in God and standing for the right under severe testing, while superficial training builds upon sliding sand by failing to mold self-denial and self-control and by petting and indulging children until they are spoiled for practical life.CT 85.1+1 The present age has little stability of character because almost everything, including the education of children, is superficial.CT 85.1 Building the house upon the solid rock means being steadfast to truth through evil report as well as good report, holding fast the old waymarks and monuments instead of letting them be made of no account, standing firm when truth is questioned and strange sentiments not from God are brought in, and recounting past crises to strengthen others in present peril.YGBCOEP 64.1+1 Christians are therefore to investigate Scripture and examine the foundation of their beliefs to see whether they are building on rock or on sand.4SP 196.1+1

Parents, teachers and students are building character for eternity and must see that the foundation is sure, then build firmly and with persistent effort in gentleness, meekness and love, for the house built on rock is a life that will stand unshaken not only when storms of temptation come but also when the overwhelming flood of God's wrath sweeps over the world.CT 63.3 Building at the top before laying the foundation leads to failure, so a sound life must be prepared from the ground up through everyday discipline and experience that prepare for life's hardships.TBC1872 27.1 Hearing and obeying Jesus' teachings is like building on a rock, and making the Bible the foundation of all study and the basis of education teaches students to build on that Rock, to follow right principles, to understand the truth for this time, to become wise unto salvation and to know what is required of them.RH May 26, 1904+2 Those who build on the Word of God which lives and abides forever receive thorough conversion of heart and keep harmony and unity amid general discord, confusion and drift, with the Bible as a bright light shining in a dark place.Ms 126, 1899, par. 17–18 Their house will surely stand amid the tempest of world agitation and changing events that bring the hastening day of God, while speculations, unholy principles, disjointed and erratic movements, and human calculations spoil piety and purity and are exposed as uncertain.Ms 126, 1899, par. 17–18

Hearing Christ's sayings without doing them is building upon sand, and a selfish, unconsecrated life given to vanity and self-pleasing, that refuses home burdens and neglects duty to others, has this sandy foundation and must fail of everlasting life.Lt 27, 1868, par. 12–13 That foundation will be swept away with wind and rain, and when the overflowing scourge passes over it will be tested and cannot stand.Lt 27, 1868, par. 12–13 Worldly status, wealth and possessions do not make a person truly great, and a life built on them will fall, for true greatness is measured by the worth of the soul and comes through serving with Christ to bless and restore others.Ms 61, 1898, par. 1–4 The Rock builder is the faithful steward who does not take pride in money and display, does not use God's goods to please self, rejects all self-indulgence and selfish appropriation of the Lord's means, and uses means to relieve suffering humanity and save souls so glory is reflected back to God.Ms 19, 1898, par. 17 The sand builder is the professed believer who is proud, self-pleasing and selfish with means, proving unfaithful to God and robbing Him of that glory, and even one highly esteemed among men who is carried away by love of self will find at last that his house stands on sand.Ms 19, 1898, par. 17

Hearing Christ's sayings and doing them means basing life work on the solid Rock and building up a symmetrical character in accordance with the living Word, and those who build this way receive a better than earthly reward, a prepared city whose builder and maker is God, with streets paved with gold and the paradise of God watered by the river of life proceeding from the throne, where the tree of life in the midst of the street and on either side of the river yields fruit every month and its leaves are for the healing of the nations.CT 63.2

A house built on rock pictures what endures, for impressions formed in youth can leave a lasting mark on the mind and shape character, like a mark made on enduring rock rather than sand.5T 544.2 A life or character built on Christ's teachings requires hearing and doing them, and failing to follow them leaves a person built on a sandy foundation, so youth need firm decision and faithfulness to distinguish good from evil and resist wavering.Ms 121, 1898, par. 21–23 The warning not to build on sand applies to yielding to alluring pleasures that engage the mind and ensnare the young.Ms 59, 1900, par. 42 Neglecting Bible study leaves a person without a secure foundation, while the needed preparation for immortal life comes from gaining knowledge through God's Word.Ms 54, 1896, par. 6–7

Building on rock means hearing what Christ said and doing it by holding the principles of truth given to the remnant church and the doctrines that stand as pillars of faith, including the Sabbath and the God who created it, and depending on divine power rather than human power.MWISDAP 39.3 Giving up those pillars, discarding the truth that sustained the work, changing religion, establishing a new organization with books of a new order and a system of intellectual philosophy, lightly regarding the Sabbath and the Creator, removing God while teaching that virtue is better than vice and placing dependence on human power which without God is worthless, is building the foundation on sand.MWISDAP 39.3 A life or movement built without obedience and a true foundation cannot withstand testing, and a religious structure founded on human power rather than God is like a house on sand that storms sweep away.Lt 242, 1903, par. 13–14+1 Giving up the principles God established and replacing them with human philosophy leaves the work without a lasting foundation.Ms 117a, 1903, par. 15–16

The wise man's rock is the platform of the truths of the word of God, braced by solid timbers and built by the Master Worker, and that foundation will stand storm and tempest.MWISDAP 38.1+2 To hear and do means to hold that platform firm and to refuse to let its timbers be loosened by doctrines that deny the past experience of the people of God.MWISDAP 38.1+3 Watchmen standing on the walls of Zion must not sleep or be silent while the timbers are loosened, but must take decided action now to defend the foundation, with physicians, ministers and youth taking a firm stand and not allowing atheistic, spiritualistic doctrines about the personality of God to be brought before them.MWISDAP 38.1+1 Building on it now means standing by the eternal truth God has led His people in for the past fifty years.Lt 242, 1903, par. 8–9

Building on the rock is holding fast the old waymarks and monuments raised along the way instead of letting them be made of no account, standing firm when truth is questioned and strange sentiments proceeding not from God are brought in, and recounting the experiences of past crises to strengthen and teach others in present peril.STB 343.1+1 Hearing must be joined with doing, for the one who obeys is like a wise builder whose house is founded on rock so that when rain, floods and winds strike, it stands, and this calls for a firm stand against teachings that lead people astray and against the power of darkness.MWISDAP 16.2–3+1 Attempts to build a new faith or establish new principles without that foundation soon collapse, for the foundations of faith are established through prayerful study of God's word and revelation and no other foundation can replace the one already laid.DTCP 7.4+1 Remaining steadfast to the truth through both good and evil report, rather than building on sand, helps preserve the old waymarks and monuments of faith.STB 343.1

A life formed on Christ's teachings and God's Word remains firm through trials, changing circumstances, heresies and false doctrines.RH Aug 31, 1905+1 Attractive errors make the house's foundation unstable because they turn people from God's Word and undermine the foundation Christ established, and building instead on human ideas leads to collapse.Lt 223, 1905, par. 18–20+1 Believers are to be firmly rooted in Christ and grounded in Bible truth so they can withstand temptation, deceptive teachings and the coming test of faith, for those who build on anything else may be led astray.RH Aug 31, 1905 The rock is the eternal truth of God's word, which gives a firm foundation against error and deceptive signs and miracles, with God's commandments and the inspired word testing religious claims and helping believers stand in the truth.ST Dec 10, 1885 Those who accept the truth and build their lives on that foundation cannot be moved by the storm and tempest of error, while those who accept deceptive theories instead of the truth can have faith unsettled and truth turned into fables, and when the great tempest comes those without the true foundation will be swept away.Lt 338, 1905, par. 11–13+1

Obedience to God's revealed word and will provides a firm foundation, and those fortified by Bible truth and acting according to God's will can stand through the final conflict and its test of whether to obey God or human authority.GC 593.2+1 The rock is God's immutable, unchanging Word, whose truths fortify the mind for that crisis and enable people to withstand the test of whether they will obey God rather than human authority.RH Jun 7, 1906+1 Hearing and doing requires understanding God's will, character, government and purposes and acting in accordance with them, and those who obey His commandments and stand on that word can endure opposition and the final trial.4SP 411.2+1 Building on the Rock is presented as preparation for the final crisis, for it is the sure foundation for the eternal principles of truth declared in God's Word.21MR 436.6

The chapter's warnings make this obedience essential for God's people in the last days, and the person who obeys is like a wise builder whose house has a firm foundation and withstands the storm.Ms 62, 1905, par. 5–8 At the close of earth's history when everything will be in confusion, Satan stealthily works to confuse the minds of those who know the truth by bringing in misleading sentiments, and those who live divided lives, professedly serving the Lord while scheming to carry out their own plans that retard the very work Christ gave His life to accomplish, will be deceived unless they repent and are converted.Lt 248, 1907, par. 6–8 Building on the rock means hearing the testing truth for this time and doing the work God bids, placing oneself where God can guide and control, while building on sliding sand means framing false theories, interpreting Scripture according to one's own ideas, and following leaders who do so instead of watching and praying, which leaves a person unsafe, hesitating and undecided, and leads to a strange work that misleads God's people.Ms 137, 1902, par. 6–7 Only the Rock of Ages is sure and steadfast and only those who build on it are secure as intensity takes possession of every earthly element before the last great conflict, which means no longer trusting in human inventions but recognizing, receiving and presenting the Holy Spirit, living with new life and power from on high rather than remaining dead in trespasses and sins with cold, waning piety like sleeping virgins with lamps but no oil, and working everywhere in the byways and highways of life for the glory of God and the saving of souls.STOM 54.1+1

A house built on rock represents faith established on solid evidence from the Word, and such a foundation remains secure through trials and does not collapse when new teachings arise.Lt 38, 1906, par. 8–9 Those anchored nowhere are like shifting sand with shallow, imperfect understanding of Scripture and can be swept into false teachings, in contrast to the wise builder who hears and practices and whose house stands on rock.Lt 141, 1897, par. 36–37 This applies to confidence in the scriptural evidence for the messages proclaimed since 1844, including the Sabbath and the third angel's message.Lt 38, 1906, par. 8–9 In the perils of the last days sand-building error leads the flock of God astray, as in the teachings spread by Dr. Kellogg, while building on the certain, sure solid-rock foundation is holding to truth and building on sand is becoming beclouded with error that turns aside into by and forbidden paths away from truth.Ms 140, 1904, par. 4–5 Rulers of the nations must plant their feet on the platform of eternal truth and build on the rock instead of building houses on sand in ignorance of the law of God, ruling in obedience to the commandments and in accountability to God as men who must answer to Him and not as gods to be worshiped, for if by their course they become a savor of death unto death to those under their jurisdiction God will hold them responsible.17MR 320.1+1

The words apply now and call for deeper consecration, thorough conversion, and diligent personal work for salvation in readiness for the holy city and the mansions prepared for those who love His appearing.Ms 101, 1906, par. 51–57+2 Doing means obeying the commandments, accepting correction, humbling the heart, dying to self, sacrificing will and pride, seeking the Lord wholly in earnest prayer, and beginning reformation at the heart by the new birth.Ms 101, 1906, par. 51–57+1 Persisting in one's own way with hereditary and cultivated traits under deception, or merely making believe without God and hope, is building on sliding sand whose house falls greatly to eternal loss.Ms 101, 1906, par. 51–57+1 Lasting response requires deep understanding and radical change riveting the soul to the eternal Rock, producing serviceable Christians of strong character and firm conviction whose work stands when ministers leave, while profession without thorough conversion fades when novelty is gone and exerts no holier influence.GW92 17.1+1

Jesus bids followers be strong by placing feet in His footsteps and following His given orders as the safe way, not listening to own ideas, plans, or suggestions of mind.Ms 115, 1906, par. 2–5+3 Safety depends on making God refuge and counselor and doing His will rather than trusting own plans, counting the cost, denying self, taking up the cross, and loving Him above father, mother, son or daughter.Lt 109, 1893, par. 6–7+1 His Sermon on the Mount teachings must guide conduct as the lesson book for wise thinking and steadfast purpose, and relying on own judgment instead brings mistaken and harmful action.11MR 252.2+1

Those who trust and obey build securely on the Rock with duty made plain, consecrating all they are and using every entrusted talent for His glory and His work.Ms 52, 1898, par. 2–6+2 Trusting counterfeit righteousness rather than giving up all to obtain eternal life is building on shifting sand that tests and trials overcome.ST Dec 15, 1898 Such establishment on the solid Rock is shown in consecration and putting faculties to work.Lt 85, 1892, par. 3

Doing means practicing truth, following on to know the Lord, self-denial and self-sacrifice, confession, reconversion and sanctification in soul, body and spirit, growth in faith and grace, and using the Lord's money to save perishing souls in ignorance instead of dress and selfish indulgence.Ms 141, 1907, par. 15–17 Mere saying Lord, Lord, professing belief, prophesying, casting out devils and wonderful works without doing the Father's will ends in rejection as workers of iniquity never known.Ms 141, 1907, par. 15–17 Doing also means working Christ's works by seeking to save the perishing and helping those who can be helped rather than folding arms, for neglect gives no strength and the house of mere hearers surely falls.RH Feb 17, 1903 Building on the Rock lays spiritual life on unselfish love that seeks and saves, with the Saviour's love, discernment, honor to the Lord, and principles woven into character, while cold formal service with carnal works shows Christ not formed within.1MR 205.2

The Rock is the eternal Rock to which the soul riveted gains spiritual health, vital life, peace, joy, heavenly discernment, and endurance when rain, floods and winds beat.Ms 21, 1888, par. 16–19 Inattention in hearing and negligence in doing grieves the Spirit and leaves want of spiritual life, and the larger number professing present truth are hearers not doers who do not endure temptation.Ms 21, 1888, par. 16–19 Doing requires less combating and more praying for the mind of Christ and grace to win souls, with truth worked into the soul and lived out by consecrated searching under the Spirit, refusing lazy surface Christianity and stretching spiritual sinew to think deeply, climb upward, and learn God's will and sanctification.Ms 21, 1888, par. 16–19+2

Hearing joined with doing means taking the Word as counselor and being doers in home life, business life with fellow men and neighbors, speech and spirit, thereby building character after the divine likeness by obeying the law as transcript of character.Ms 160, 1898, par. 6–9+1 God's promises hold only on condition of keeping commandments and doing what pleases Him, and He deals with men and angels on this ground bringing every work with every secret thing into judgment according to what was done in the body.Ms 160, 1898, par. 6–9+1 Upright dealing and high-toned integrity with purest equity under God's inspection in every transaction is part of building on Christ, while dishonesty and departing from law to human ideas is sand producing self-commendation, pride, weakness and folly uncontrolled by the Spirit, swept away in tempest with no refuge.ST Feb 7, 1884+2 Such hearing and doing is joined with much humble prayer acknowledging that God sees.Ms 19, 1891, par. 8–12

Obedience is the assurance the house is on rock, forming Christian character as Christ is formed within and the life bears good fruit.Ms 1a, 1890, par. 18–20 This depends on God's power as believers trust wholly to Him and work as He works in them, relying on Christ while working out salvation daily by faith with every ability in humility and reverence, so grace enables obedience and practice cleanses and sanctifies.Ms 1a, 1890, par. 18–20+2 The Bible is to be the foundation of faith and life, and those built on Christ stand when tempest strikes.Ms 92, 1901, par. 13–14

Building on the Rock requires deep grace bringing soul, heart and life under the Spirit, letting self die so Jesus lives in the heart by faith with happiness, safe when storm wrenches every timber while all not built in Jesus proves rottenness.Lt 25, 1880, par. 13 It means riveting the soul to the Eternal Rock by diligent warfare against wrong thoughts and feelings expressed in words, digging deep, refusing satisfaction with attainments, becoming earnest Bible students with truth impressing mind unto faith working by love and purifying from deception, prevarication and covetousness, holding Christ's all-sufficient hand.Lt 25, 1880, par. 9+1 Defective daily life without steadfast purpose, leaning to self-indulgence and self-excuse, develops unseemly cracks like a tottering wall ready to ruin, and failure leaves openness to Satan's insidious working, false witness, grieving the Spirit and turning against God's servants.Lt 25, 1880, par. 9+1 Firm experience comes only by digging deep, refusing to remain a dwarf, recovering from every snare, growing to full stature in Christ and obtaining a different experience without which there is no overcoming.Lt 6a, 1900, par. 7–10+1

The soul must be riveted to Jesus as Eternal Rock rather than merely emotionally stirred, brought into church capacity, or united to human workers, for ill-balanced religion without underlying godliness will be shaken out and not resist temptation.Ms 20a, 1889, par. 8–9 When grave departures appear the foundation is at fault, and storms test whether structure is on solid rock or sand and quicksand, with seams and cracks revealing sand building discovered at last.Ms 20a, 1889, par. 8–9 Those who behold Christ show it in conduct and help the tempted stand firmly on the Rock of Ages, remaining unmoved by temptation, hatred, reproach and false accusations while doing duty and warning others even at cost and under danger and hardship.21MR 179.1+3 Those not firmly fixed will turn from truth when His way seems too restrictive.7MR 174.1

Building on Christ means obeying His word with lasting character resting on Him alone, genuine faith appearing in doing what God commands.RH Dec 31, 1908 Holiness is not feeling or excitement but surrender and doing the Father's will, salvation not earned by works yet not mere profession, faith shown by righteous actions under the Spirit's leading.RH Dec 31, 1908 Feeling is no test of advancement, for the Word becomes solid rock under feet when studied and practiced.Ms 25, 1891, par. 4 Such life through faith and obedience has sure foundation requiring self-denial, self-sacrifice, self-control and self-discipline with His character and spirit becoming ours, while outward form without genuine reformation collapses in trial.Lt 80, 1907, par. 4–5

Secure building is governed by right motives and principles God approves, putting the eternal first by laying treasure in heaven while acquiring needful earthly sustenance, with provision made beforehand so sickness or adversity finds safety.Lt 6, 1871, par. 7 Profession without reformation cannot withstand trials, and living recklessly under impulse and passion is sand facing judgment, while hearing and doing shows the wise foundation.3T 475.2+1 Those gone astray need guiding to stable faith and right character on the solid Rock contrasted with sliding sand, formed by following His example without show and pretense, deeply rooted and bearing good works.Lt 93, 1896, par. 8+1

Building on the Rock requires thorough conversion of the inmost soul, growing in grace and perfecting holiness, subduing natural feelings, stopping murmuring, complaining and fault-finding, living for God with elevated thoughts and learning meekness from Jesus meek and lowly.2T 221.1–222.1 Hearers without this meet great loss in peril, overcome by Satan, shipwrecked in faith with life or death before them in danger of failing everlasting life.2T 221.1–222.1 Digging deep lays foundation on true religion and practical godliness without self-confidence, with heart made right in humility, self-denial and faithfulness, faith working through love shown in words, conduct and daily influence by new birth where old selfish life dies.Lt 55, 1880, par. 1–2+3 Without this there is apostasy when God's sieve shakes chaff from wheat, and yoking with Christ with undivided affection, watchfulness, sobriety and straight paths is keeping by God's power alone.Lt 55, 1880, par. 1–2+1

The wise receive Christ's words as truth and obey in practical life though obedience looks difficult or foolish to the world, standing secure through storms.Ms 102, 1898, par. 8–10 Trying to build noble character without His grace is shifting sand failing in temptation, so the heart must be renewed by divine grace.MYP 285.1–2 Those learning with humility and becoming doers build securely rather than trusting own wisdom or human strength.Lt 45, 1894, par. 5–6

Hearing must join doing, for failing to follow given light separates from God and brings darkness in proportion to neglected light, with obedience to plainly revealed will preparing a character reflecting that light.ST Mar 26, 1896 There is no neutral ground when the Word comes home to mind and conscience: living by every word builds on rock with title to heaven's treasures, while mere hearing builds on sliding sand swept by temptation.Lt 52, 1891, par. 46–50 Guilt is measured by unpracticed privileges, opportunities, light and knowledge, so hearers with great light are most guilty and dangerous when careless disregard and example lead others from obedience, faith and rectitude.Lt 52, 1891, par. 46–50

The Rock pictures steadfastness through crises, hardship, favorable circumstances, and good and evil reports.YGBCOEP 64.1+2 Remaining steadfast shows building on firm foundation in truth, holding fast old waymarks and monuments, standing firm when truth is questioned and strange sentiments not from God enter, recounting past crises to teach others in present peril.RH Nov 19, 1903 Safety rests on firm stand and humble obedience helping others bear the cross, with God's holy law upheld as the pure elevating standard and feet unmoved from solid Rock.HSFM 232.3+1

Building on rock is being taught of God and sanctified and ennobled through truth with discernment kept, for lifetime profession alone does not make a true man on rock.Lt 197, 1904, par. 15 Losing discernment while supposing oneself wise builds on sand swept away in tempest to perish.Lt 197, 1904, par. 15 It calls for careful Scripture study and life shaped by Christ's character, living by every word in readiness for His coming, settling firmly into faith instead of drifting with excitement, impulse, changing doctrines or feelings that leave confusion and unreliability.RH Aug 24, 1916+1 Being strengthened and settled on Christ brings stability to resist temptation and remain in saving truth.3T 40.1

Building means yoking with Christ and making sure of readiness to meet God rather than risking eternity on uncertainty.17MR 23.2–3 The foundation is made sure by making God the trust and surrendering fully with hopes fixed on the eternal Rock, examining whether heart is renewed, sins pardoned by faith, and life shaped by His teaching.Lt 59, 1874, par. 14–15+1

Digging deep is being firmly grounded in Christ and obeying God rather than following human devising or practices opposing His law.Ms 45, 1904, par. 13 Spiritual blindness and disobedience leave no secure foundation or power for God's work.Ms 45, 1904, par. 13 Copying worldly customs instead of God's requirements is shifting sand misleading the young with account to be given, for following Christ means hearing and obeying rather than shaping character by the world.6T 142.2–143.1+1

Hearing and doing means changing plans and character-building altogether differently when errors are pointed out, accepting reproof instead of denying, self-satisfaction and self-justification under temptation.5MR 147.2–148.1 Merely claiming belief until it requires change is not doing, and unless building becomes altogether different storm sweeps it away.5MR 147.2–148.1 Digging sure means facing past wrongs honestly, for unrepented sins remain recorded, weaken divine life, hinder perfect character and harm influence unless returned to and made right, requiring turning from condemned ways in genuine repentance and surrender to overcome, falling on the Rock broken with confession, and allowing reproof to break resistance rather than rejecting it because it condemns conduct.Lt 52, 1874, par. 10–11+3

Life must be grounded deeply to withstand temptation and the enemy's devices, for knowledge and good impulses alone are insufficient without transformation in integrity, faithfulness in small duties, self-control and humility.Ms 2, 1875, par. 33–35 Careless indifference is sand needing firm hold on Christ against evil, and building must be on God's moral standard of holiness and Bible standard not own ideas, superficial views or low attainments, or it cannot stand amid last-day perils and judgment, while influence content with less misleads souls.Ms 78, 1905, par. 13–14+1

Hearing and doing maintains allegiance in humility and childlike dependence day by day, hour by hour, with Christ's name ever precious.Lt 21, 1893, par. 11–12 The doer learns meekness in Christ's school, bears the cross, denies self, seeks only God's honor not men's praise, and finds grace sufficient so trust is never confounded.Lt 21, 1893, par. 11–12 The wise hearer is a humble learner whose prayerful dependence keeps from being overcome by Satan.Ms 109, 1898, par. 5–7

Obedience builds a wise firm foundation forming positive stable character whose obedience benefits others as visible sign.19MR 251.5+1 A practicing life is a powerful witness while contradicting conduct cancels professed truth, with continual contact with the Word quickening conscience to heavenly standard.Lt 71, 1895, par. 15 Setting feet firmly on Christ by living faith and personal experience of grace determines influence to draw sinners from the swift current and save souls in a skeptical world, with the Sabbath as sign that He sanctifies His people.TSSW 115.2+1

Obedience gives safety amid storms of temptation, keeps steadfast in holiness, and prepares for His coming.Lt 229, 1905, par. 14–16+1 Those living by every word are prepared for life with Him, having found truth that sets right and keeps right, while turning from its principles leaves liability to fall.RH Aug 24, 1916+1

Hearers who obey reveal the Spirit's inward work with divine power shaping conduct and showing Christ as pattern, bearing witness they belong to God.ST Mar 8, 1910+1 Truth received sanctifies and never leads to unrighteous compromise with falsehood to suit circumstances, and He holds those accepting His help so temptation and shifting opinion cannot sweep away.Lt 118, 1897, par. 41–42

Building means building without delay for time and eternity on Christ by accepting the living Word as it reads without twisting or mixing with fanciful falsehoods.21MR 346.4–5+1 It refuses deception by false philosophy and science falsely so-called, determined that though heaven and earth pass not one jot of God's Word be marred, voided or dishonored, for His perfect law converts the soul and makes keeper wiser than enemies with more understanding than teachers and ancients.Lt 45, 1899, par. 8

Building keeps from confusion and startling at troubling events, want of piety in professors, or lack of godly work, for clinging to His words and riveting to the Rock is the hold for confused unsettled minds when great trial comes, since Jesus goes before in every hard place and will be all in all.Lt 46, 1891, par. 20–21+2 Taking the Word, believing it and planting feet upon it is solid rock in Christ with infallible guide, so trials and temptations cannot overthrow.9MR 150.2+1

Life on His sure foundation follows His example and Scripture rather than others' faults or minor matters, with will set on God's will preserving integrity unshaken.Lt 67, 1887, par. 6–8 It chooses His self-denying pure ways and sound principles despite bad examples, giving up show and becoming deeply rooted bearing good works honoring God.18MR 255.2–3+1

Standing on the Rock sets feet in the footprints of the Man of Calvary, leaving double-dealing, mere human sympathy, sentimentalism, perverted powers, hereditary tendencies and inclination, drawing sentiments from Scripture, going where the Shepherd leads, discerning false and true life, trying spirits whether of God, and dreading ignorance of Satan's devices.Lt 4, 1885, par. 3 Heeding and obeying His words gives safety from deception and ruin as infallible guide.Ms 27, 1886, par. 17

Sound foundation comes from personally understanding and practicing professed principles, weighing motives and acting from principle, not merely accepting from others.CH 151.3–152.1+1 Study without obedience builds on sand, and even scientific learning is useless without obedience, for God's Word guides heavenward and Christ is the eternal Rock.Ms 67, 1898, par. 2–3 This applies also to health reform where failure follows without such foundation.CH 151.3–152.1

Building is getting upon the Living Rock as by climbing hills, requiring strenuous effort with all abilities, every spiritual nerve and muscle, and all mental powers to understand the Word, the incarnation, and redemption, labor beneath which mind may faint yet only touch infinity beyond.9MR 68.3

Hearers who obey build solidly so trial strengthens and confirms faith rather than moving, preparing to endure and share eternal glory.ST Sep 24, 1896+1 Being a doer walking in His footsteps leaves no time or desire to weaken fellow believers by criticism.Lt 8a, 1890, par. 41–43 Doing excludes freely complaining of and accusing others, which brings great loss, stumbles others, and educates suspicion, jealousy and faultfinding even when supposing to tell truth, while the doer led only by the Shepherd, examining heart, walking safe paths and studying Christ as Way, Truth and Life becomes power for good.Lt 63a, 1893, par. 2–3

The Rock is Christ Jesus upon whom self must fall broken so He shapes character to reflect His own.Lt 26, 1894, par. 3–4 Obedience includes loving fellow believers as He loved, and withholding love in disagreement shows His love not abiding in heart.Lt 26, 1894, par. 3–4

Retaining self-confidence and rejecting correction leaves danger of fall, so repentance and obedience are necessary before too late, with wise building standing in trials.Lt 360, 1905, par. 8–10 In Battle Creek this means taking stand against false theories and doing God's will from sincere heart, building wisely with good foundation carefully considered in all bearings, studying the Word prayerfully rather than trusting own judgment.Ms 108, 1905, par. 26–28+2

Professing to keep law while acting against its principles is sand ending in ruin, for disobedience weakens discernment, obscures light and hinders the Holy Spirit's blessing.1MR 368.4–369.2+1 Even one act weakens discernment and may obscure light, so followers search the Bible themselves, obey what God says, and refuse practices separating from Him rather than clinging to cherished sin.STE 78.1–79.2+1

Obeying principles is necessary for the life to come, with words heard purposely to obey.Ms 115, 1905, par. 7–9+1 Sincere doing rather than mere hearing founds life on rock keeping house from falling and glorifying Christ, revealing works with God's approval rather than mere profession.Lt 20, 1895, par. 2–4+1

When truth shapes life, service to God takes priority over worldly interests, contrasting profession with practice.4T 613.2–3 Wise hearers practice as well as hear and remain unmoved through trials, while belief without doing God's will is hypocrisy and sand.RH Jul 10, 1879 Mere profession of being saved without practicing His lessons makes hypocrites, and the rock house stands for every soul's true foundation unmoved amid tempest because the follower assimilated to Christ's image in fellowship of sufferings has soul riveted to the Rock.ST Jul 24, 1879 Indolence brings moral feebleness, while daily labor in prayer and active work to do God's will gives increased ability, success in promoting His glory, and at last the welcome into the Father's joy.ST Jul 24, 1879 Doing Christ's words aligns will with His and develops Christian character, while hearing, speaking or preaching without obedience is sand.EDFCP 8.2

Secure building depends on Christ and lives by His precepts and promises as sure foundation on which whole life rests.Lt 203, 1902, par. 14–16 Placing feet on Him settles faith, gives power for spiritual life, and makes allegiance clear including commandment keeping.Lt 128, 1895, par. 22–25

Hearing and doing digs deep on true religion without self-confidence, taking words seriously with special not casual attention, gaining personal experience under Christ the Shepherd with true repentance and sound conversion before leading others, and continually ensuring how one builds.Lt 55, 1880, par. 1–2+2 Without this there is no sure foundation and apostasy follows when God's sieve shakes chaff from wheat, while planting feet on the Rock shows steady spiritual improvement.Lt 55, 1880, par. 1–2+1

Christ Himself is the unchanging Rock, and building is trusting and obeying His words, looking continually to Jesus and heeding every warning.Ms 115, 1906, par. 1 The doer is safe from false presentations, false theories and satanic whisperings, refusing to trust changeable men or make flesh an arm, for men change, are deceived, work on the enemy's side, and even preaching truth may lead into error, so following them perils the soul.Ms 115, 1906, par. 1

His words received and practiced are the true light, and honoring Him above money, praise or glory brings precious victories.Lt 310, 1906, par. 8 Reading, believing, doing and catching His Spirit prepares to work for others.STB 590.3

God's Word is solid rock, and believing it and planting feet upon it enables standing firmly in Christ despite others' failures and troubling events.Lt 23, 1892, par. 3 Hearing and doing plants feet on Bible lessons, applied to schooling youth to stand on Bible teaching with told duties, order and discipline without lowered standard, hanging helpless souls on the Lord, gaining depth of piety and living experience turning from rebellion and self-pleasing to penitence at the cross and witness.Lt 218, 1897, par. 2–4 Teachers laboring for salvation place students' feet on this solid foundation for recovery from transgression.Ms 69, 1898, par. 10–11

Living by His teaching leads to safe steady life reaping what was sown, with careful prayerful study keeping well-balanced.15MR 69.3+1

Practices revealing conversion show building firmly on the Rock by consecrating whole heart and working in Jesus' name, so storms do not cause falling because foundation does not give way.Ms 29, 1909, par. 29 Firm experience comes only by such digging deep and stretching sinew.Lt 6a, 1900, par. 7–10

Sound life must have right foundation laid first, made sure by making God the trust and surrendering fully with hopes fixed on the Rock rather than false hope.Lt 59, 1874, par. 14–15 Education alone cannot supply discipline and everyday experience needed for hardships.3T 193.2

A structure on God's principles stands firm, but discarding them leaves sand.17MR 234.1 Removing even part of faith leaves on sand, warning against ungiven theories including those taking the Holy Spirit from the sanctuary, while standing firmly on the Word keeps unmoved.Ms 186, 1905, par. 13

Hearing without doing builds on sand beaten until complete wreck, and going on in wrong course with false guides is vain treacherous castle-building with safety only by turning square about.Lt 66, 1899, par. 18

Salvation depends on building on Christ the Rock by hearing and doing.Lt 180, 1902, par. 1–2 Any other foundation is sand swept away in tempest with its builder perishing, for Christ alone is safe and untested hopes collapse, with rejection facing those refusing Him.21MR 428.3+1

Building means receiving teaching in the heart and putting into practice where lives are tested, obeying requirements while depending on Christ for strength, transforming character and preparing for eternal home in His kingdom on solid foundation.ST Sep 8, 1909 Rejecting heaven's light and refusing God's appeals abandons eternal truth for sand, while obedience is the wise foundation.Ms 18, 1896, par. 23

Hearing must be followed by doing through thorough conversion laying foundation right on rock.Lt 1, 1871, par. 6–9 Merely professed superficial circumstantial religion on sliding sand follows selfish pleasure, neglects duty, bears no fruit to God's glory, and storms with the trial of God's day carry it away to be weighed and found wanting.Lt 1, 1871, par. 6–9

Hearing must join doing like building on the firm eternal Rock on which God's people must stand when moral evil surges, for the standing house shows Christ the firm foundation or they are swept away.4T 582.3 Buildings with the Lord's money are His property to be built up together not quarreled away.YGBCOEP 33.3

Religious life lacking firm foundation is shifting sand swept by trial, with reliance on human sympathy and self-gratification leaving faith weak.Lt 47a, 1887, par. 10–12 Strength requires undivided affection for God and living by truth.Lt 47a, 1887, par. 10–12

Every medical student and youth should build firmly on the eternal Rock by obeying His teaching.Ms 4a, 1885, par. 81–82+1 Temptation and trouble expose foundations: the hearer and doer belongs to solid rock, while life unshaped by obedience has no firm foundation and falls.Lt 88a, 1895, par. 10–15

Hearing and doing gives firm foundation so the faithful worker remains unmoved by hatred, reproach and false accusations while warning, pleading and rebuking sin by upright life.Ms 7, 1885, par. 10 Those on the Rock stay steady under difficulty with Christ strengthening to warn and proclaim even through danger, hardship and reproach.Ms 4a, 1885, par. 11–12+2

Life built on obedience has secure foundation, for Jesus is the only safe foundation and all else is shifting sand.Lt 83, 1886, par. 10 Building on Him shapes character through obedience to God's Word guiding heavenward, while reliance on shifting human teachings leaves instability.Lt 83, 1886, par. 10+2

Hearers who do build securely rooted in God and the eternal rock, with obedience giving firm foundation persecution and opposition cannot shake.Lt 108, 1886, par. 13–17+1 Being strengthened and settled on Christ brings stability to resist temptation and remain in saving truth.3T 40.1

True foundation is laid by hearing and practicing in connection with Christ the Cornerstone as refuge from temptation and weariness.Lt 30a, 1876, par. 14 Life must found on hearing and obeying, with Bible cherished as God's voice because it alone makes right and keeps right, while discarding integrity principles weakens foundation to sand.Ms 66, 1898, par. 41

Life built on Christ received in living faith and practiced stands through coming test and forever, while self-trust is sand swept by tempest.RH Sep 22, 1910 Believers must become rooted relying on God's power to remain steadfast, building on the Rock of eternal truth as preparation for final crisis.RH Sep 22, 1910+1

Sound well-grounded foundation is needed to withstand storm, applied to firm experience founded on His teachings and sure foundation in God through wisdom and holiness.Lt 202, 1900, par. 3+1 Firmness and integrity keep from being moved from duty by affection or friendship or sacrificing duty to inclination, without which experience is sliding sand.3T 44.1

Building wisely for eternity orders work around eternal life through humble self-knowledge, letting the Lord train mind and shape character, setting aside unessential plans and what weakens spiritual life.FE 525.1 No teacher does acceptable work without remembering deficiencies and putting aside such plans while working out salvation with fear and trembling unto humility opening way for mental development and character discipline.CT 419.1

The church is built on rock when people are taught the Lord's way through Scripture, prayer and faith with Christ Jesus as foundation.GW 355.2 Receiving Jesus as personal Saviour and trusting daily builds on rock, while without His regenerating sanctifying Spirit youth facing Bible-undermining teachings build on sand swept away.4MR 50.1–3

The wise daily fasten soul to Christ rather than trusting self, standing firm in trials while appearances and claims give no sure foundation.BS 11.2 Knowing by experience who Jesus is and what the believer is to Him plants feet on solid Rock enabling faithful work.Lt 18, 1892, par. 1–2

Sound character is formed through faithful practice tested by temptation's storm, including choosing worthy companions and sound principles.CH 445.1–2 Accepting corrupt influences and defects leaves life unable to withstand test.CH 445.1–2

Life built on His words must have sure foundation formed through steady effort, gentleness, meekness and love, standing through temptation and judgment while sand falls with lasting ruin.STE 80.4–81.1 Those astray need guiding to stable faith and right character on firm foundation practiced.Lt 93, 1896, par. 8

Profession alone has no saving value; His sayings must become living heart principle shaping character so speech and actions express inward goodness.Lt 96, 1898, par. 24–26 Those receiving grace and cultivating meekness, patience, kindness, purity and love exert saving influence, without which professed knowledge is empty.Lt 96, 1898, par. 24–26

Receiving Christ into the heart means believing and obeying rather than remaining unchanged and blind.Ms 9, 1894, par. 7–9 Following Him means hearing and obeying rather than shaping character by worldly customs.Lt 124, 1900, par. 18–19

Faith founded on His teachings stands firm in trial like rock-built house, while easy provocation to conflict reveals foundation not on rock.Ms 117a, 1901, par. 51 Following His voice and keeping commandments places on solid rock secure amid skepticism and unbelief.Ms 40a, 1890, par. 7–9

Christ alone can restore humanity, so God receives glory and is made known, for human beings are not foundation or hope, while life built on the eternal Rock stands through storms.Ms 21, 1899, par. 10

Hearts closed like the Pharisees' must be broken and converted, then work earnestly to save the straying, connecting the Rock image with humility and changed life leading to compassionate action.Ms 32, 1893, par. 13–14

Building means taking decided position for truth and righteousness, being diligent in home life, having heart examined and opened to Christ in readiness to meet the Lord, and those planted on it seeking to draw others to it.Ms 117, 1906, par. 11

The foundation is laid firmly through daily conduct putting teaching into practice and building on Christ, so actions show others the higher life.Lt 80, 1907, par. 3

Putting truth's principles into practical life gives firm foundation so one established is not easily moved to uncertainty, with unmovable rock contrasting slipping sand and calling for attention to Scripture, sermons and the Spirit's leading.Lt 98a, 1897, par. 48–51

Establishment on solid Rock joins consecration and putting faculties to work.Lt 85, 1892, par. 3 Planting feet upon the Rock gives firm standing shown in steady spiritual improvement.Lt 25, 1888, par. 12

Life built on Christ rests on real personal connection not self-esteem, self-love or confidence in own wisdom and goodness.RH Oct 16, 1900 A heart not fallen on Christ remains proud of supposed wholeness excluding the Saviour, while true godliness requires surrender and dependence.RH Oct 16, 1900

His life come in humanity is the perfect Model of one who preached and practiced His own teachings.Ms 20a, 1889, par. 8–9

Obedience builds life on God's Word and truth calling for careful study and Christ-shaped life, with those living by every word prepared for His coming and life with Him.RH Aug 24, 1916

Building settles firmly into faith instead of drifting with excitement, impulse, changing doctrines or feelings that leave confusion and unreliability in truth's work.4T 74.2

Hearing must join doing by remaining steadfast to principle even when at odds with a father's wishes.Ms 2b, 1895, par. 30–32

Those learning from Christ humbly and becoming doers build securely rather than trusting wisdom or human strength.Lt 45, 1894, par. 5–6 Prayerful dependence as humble learners keeps from being overcome by Satan.Ms 109, 1898, par. 5–7

Digging deep and laying sure foundation on the eternal Rock so the house endures requires recovering from every snare, refusing to remain a dwarf, growing to full stature in Christ, and obtaining a different experience without which there is no overcoming.Lt 46, 1901, par. 20–21

Doing the word means undivided service to Christ, gathering with him rather than scattering, going out from Battle Creek into towns and cities to carry light to souls hanging in the balance who have not had light and opportunities, for many houses now supposed to stand secure will fall under the testing storm because divided service will not be accepted, while heeding his sayings changes the attitude, makes hearers children of God, saves souls through faith, and brings them to receive the counsel of Isaiah 58.Ms 7, 1898, par. 21–25 Matthew 7 including this verse is to be studied most critically again and again as for life for enlightenment, conversion and daily practice, every word practiced in daily truth to know the work given to do, comparing words, spirit and actions with the Word as God's great moral looking-glass with doing beginning by work done in the heart and reaching to reaching lost souls.Lt 8, 1910, par. 14+1 That study is for one's own conversion, not to prove supposed faults discerned in other church members, for the chapter exposes the serious defects of those absorbed with others' faults, and unless there are decided conversions many who think they are lights will prove stumbling blocks.Lt 8, 1910, par. 14

The verse gives consolation to whoever hears and does, gives counsel from God to be declared and followed, and states a principle all engaged in publishing house labor must practice in daily labor.Lt 218, 1907, par. 3+2 Those who obey the truth and act on his words are true agents working with him, sharing heaven's light, helping the struggling to overcome through Jesus, and showing his tenderness in words, spirit and actions, and their house built on rock cannot be moved by storms.Ms 42, 1890, par. 31–32+1 People in Battle Creek are urged to hear the message from God's messengers and build wisely on that sure foundation and not on sinking sand, for the coming tempest will wash away sand and bring the building down.Lt 84, 1906, par. 8 The fire there calls for careful study of providence and humble intelligent labor, with institutions conducted as part of God's work so people can invest in them with confidence, since a sound trustworthy foundation is essential.YGBCOEP 33.4

Safety is found only in hearing and obeying every word from God, which is building on the Rock, while merely hearing without bringing it into life practice is dangerous sand-building that will surely end in falling, and everything that can be shaken will be shaken in personal experience.Lt 13, 1888, par. 9 The work of the new conference must be built on the solid Rock by humbling hearts before the Lord, which means working in unity of purpose and action rather than pursuing independent lines.Ms 90, 1901, par. 23 Buildings erected with the Lord's money for his work are his property, and his people are to build them up together on the eternal Rock on which they are to stand rather than quarrel and destroy.YGBCOEP 33.3

Those who build on the Rock — the Bible and its principles — will stand amid tempest when the world is in turmoil, for God's Word is the lesson book guiding wise thinking, steadfast purpose and conduct rather than human opinions and speculation, and wisdom means not only hearing Christ's words but doing them on a true secure foundation.ST Feb 7, 1900+1 His teachings in the Sermon on the Mount must guide conduct, for relying on one's own judgment instead of following them leads to mistaken and harmful action.Ms 14, 1901, par. 35–41 A sure spiritual foundation comes from putting his words into practice, calling the Healdsburg church to dig deep and fasten to the eternal Rock so lives will be ready for his coming and display truth's uplifting sanctifying power.Ms 11, 1901, par. 32–34

Firm religious faith is a foundation built upon a rock, and the truth as it is in Jesus leads people to appreciate and rest on it as they receive compassionate care, have physical needs met, and are awakened to moral and mental activity, with some thereby saved in the kingdom.STMW11 32.1+1 Even men found in the very depths of degradation who once possessed fine minds and rich qualifications can be brought to appreciate that foundation, laid through painstaking human effort working with the Holy Spirit first by sympathetically caring for fallen souls and meeting physical necessities through medical missionary work and then by bringing before their minds the truth as it is in Jesus.Ms 14a, 1897, par. 5–8 Hearing and doing means standing on God's sure foundation where truth has always rested and working from that platform in inseparable connection with God's supreme moral authority rather than man's weak mixed-up authority, for God's Word reveals his design and plan and only work carried on in accordance with its principles will stand fast forever approved by heaven during the remnant of time before earth's close.Lt 172, 1903, par. 11–15 Human wisdom and devising must not break this standing, for yielding to Satan's devising and temptation causes loss of discernment and sight of this higher aim, while every Christian is to strive to be a laborer together with God.Lt 172, 1903, par. 11–15

Those who claim to be his people but give no evidence of building on the Rock lack this foundation, and joining with them in unfaithful alliances brings bitter consequences, for the lesson is given to save but is not learned when God's wisdom is exchanged for human judgment.Lt 13, 1900, par. 6 The Bible carefully studied and followed is a safeguard against Satan's deceptions and ruin including in courtship and marriage, for hearing is not enough without obeying.Lt 3, 1886, par. 14–15 Laying the foundation upon the Word applies also to decisions about institutions, with plans to follow the Lord's instruction including moving institutions from crowded cities to rural locations where their work and families can be better supported.Ms 40a, 1904, par. 12 Standing on solid rock keeps the soul from being swept off his feet when the enemy comes in like a flood, and all who love and fear God in colleges, publishing houses, sanitariums and larger and smaller churches are to stand on it as missionaries on missionary ground lifting an effectual standard of Jesus Christ and him crucified against the flood.Lt 15, 1889, par. 15

His people and members of his church are builders on that solid Rock, and church schools and churches must be built on the solid rock of truth by teaching the words of eternal life with a message bearing divine authority and without fanaticism or anything diverting minds from truth in Jesus.20MR 340.1+2 Teachers must first learn from Christ and teach only a message grounded in his word, not shifting ideas.Ms 70, 1901, par. 28–30 His truth is the rock on which to build, and sanitarium work is to be conducted so truth is presented as its foundation.Lt 223, 1905, par. 1–3 Building on the rock in that work means going deep to lay a foundation on solid rock by moving slowly and surely in securing property, seeking whether it is the Lord's will to purchase it, trusting him to help secure it if he desires it and to withhold it if not, keeping quiet publicly about desire for it, and making sure legal ground is solid with papers showing clearly the place is free from mortgage and worth far more than the price offered.Lt 95, 1904, par. 1–3

Those who mislead students by joining worldly practices with College work and who join with the world against God and the truth have not built on the Eternal Rock but on shifting sliding sand, and their influence, actions and results will face God's judgment and they must answer for them.STSE 107.1–2+1 The unfaithful to their trust who join the world in opposing God likewise have not built on the Rock, with a foundation like sliding sand that cannot stand.TBC1882 16.2 A religious movement that discards foundational truth and removes God instead depends on human power and builds on sand, and its structure cannot withstand the storm.STB 382.3 Building on the Rock when intensity takes possession of every earthly element and Satan's agencies prepare for the last great conflict means no longer trusting human inventions but seeing what is soon to come by what is happening now, recognizing, receiving and presenting the Holy Spirit, contending for God's glory with new life and power from on high, and working everywhere in byways and highways to save souls, in contrast to being cold and senseless with feeble waning piety like sleeping virgins with lamps but no oil and dead in trespasses and sins.STOM 54.1+1

The pure gospel given on the Mount connects with the holy law of God and applies its standard to honest dealings, asking whether people who take another's means unjustly truly love God and neighbor, for hearing Jesus' words must be joined with doing them.Ms 26, 1899, par. 29–30 The lesson is to put the teachings of the Sermon into practice in daily life, for living them makes a deeper and more lasting impression on others than preaching alone.6T 472.1 A faithful standard-bearer who ministers in word and doctrine and builds hope on the sure Rock Christ Jesus by setting a high estimate on the gospel, knowing God's glory in the face of Jesus, and wearing his yoke in submission and consecration where alone rest is found, is far more secure than those who possess gold and silver, for the Rock is God in Christ full of mercy, love, goodness and truth seen at Calvary, while building on sand is being carried away by love of self and many highly esteemed among men will find at last they built on sand.6MR 25.1–2 Hearing and doing is building character and God's work for time and eternity with durability through co-working with God in harmony founded upon Christ, with good works, continual self-denial and self-sacrifice at every step, a mind of Christ, and refusal to murmur under poverty, so the heart grows strong, and all builders are tried by storm of test and trial to show whether the coin has the true ring, whether the heart is strong to bear and whether conscience is void of offense.Lt 41, 1899, par. 4–5

Every standard raised in God's work must be founded on that Rock by hearing and doing so storms and tempests cannot sweep it away, which means holding sound sensible principles that keep a healthy tone and fragrance and make sound sensible workers who can advance his cause.21MR 52.2–3+1 People investigating truth need diligent personal help studying God's Word as counselor and foundation to build on it, and converts need to experience its power in their hearts.RH Feb 21, 1907+2 Teachers are to help every student stand on that solid Rock as they work for salvation and recovery of what was lost through sin.Lt 79a, 1898, par. 6 The broad principles of God's Word form a firm foundation for character enabling a person to remain on the path of right even when surrounded by harmful influences.CH 435.3

Building hope on Christ by trusting him and staying connected with him brings happiness, help, and security, for those connected follow where the Saviour leads, crucifying the flesh with its affections and lusts, and earth's storms are powerless to sweep them from the sure foundation.CT 225.2+1 Turning to Christ is standing firm on eternal truth while any other foundation is shifting sand, and spiritual life brings rest and lasting good that keeps a person secure through storm and tempest.MWISDAP 42.2+1 That turning means giving up self-righteousness, coming humbly with repentance and trusting forgiving love to become living stones, for without his life temptation cannot be withstood and any other foundation fails when storms come.DA 599.3–4+1 It means turning from human foolishness and frailty, man's seductive arts and Satan's planning to Christ the shepherd and bishop of souls, clearing the King's highway by prayer and confession and receiving the Holy Spirit's reviving Pentecostal energy, for reformation attempted without the Spirit leaves a person adrift while one built on Christ stands secure on eternal truth and can say in storm, My anchor holds, having found rest.Lt 242, 1903, par. 22–23+1

Believers are to be firmly rooted in Christ and grounded in Bible truth so they can withstand temptation, deceptive teachings and the coming test of faith, for the storm will test each faith and those not firmly grounded can be led astray while those built on him need not fear and cannot be overthrown.RH Aug 31, 1905+1 The rock is Christ Jesus and salvation is found only through him, with a life built on him withstanding storms and tempests.15MR 153.2 Profession without genuine conversion and practical godliness is like a house without rock foundation that fails when tested, for hearing is not enough without living.4T 321.1 There are two foundations for religious work: sand is working earnestly on a wrong line that seems right with wrong ideas and confused false conceptions because work did not begin at the heart, while solid rock is the heart right with God under the Spirit so the whole life is purified, refined, ennobled and sanctified, with transforming grace brought into minutest deeds in every department with one aim to save souls for whom Christ died.Lt 51, 1888, par. 11–12

Making the Bible the basis of education reflects the principle that Christ's teachings are the foundation on which a sound life is built.STB 336.1–3 Those who receive and obey build character on Christ with soul riveted on the eternal Rock, not only hearing truth but practicing it and doing God's will, while mere profession and saying we are saved without practicing his lessons is building on sand and hypocrisy.ST Jul 24, 1879 Those who obey commandments and stand on the unchanging Word by understanding God's will, character, government and purposes and acting accordingly can endure opposition, tempest, storm, flood and the final trial and conflict, remaining unmoved because assimilated to Christ's image through fellowship of his sufferings, with indolence bringing moral feebleness while daily labor in prayer and active work gives ability, efficiency and success, to whom Christ will at last say, Come ye blessed, enter into joy.ST Jul 24, 1879+2 A person builds securely for eternity by putting Christ's words into practice, for faith will be tested on whether one builds on the Rock, and relying on probability instead of God's sure Word is insecure, with readiness not to be postponed expecting the latter rain to do present work.Ms 87, 1886, par. 11 Hearing and doing is standing on Christ instead of sliding sand that holds firm when singled out as not law-abiding, when forced to choose between earthly powers and God, and when summoned to courts with his promised presence though the world is arrayed against, which means going back to the fourth commandment exactly as written by God's finger without altering even a dot, loving truth because it is truth, with the Spirit resting on the obedient, making every difference to be on God's side.Ms 11, 1893, par. 12–13

Doing his will is building like a wise man on rock so that the house does not fall when rain and floods and wind beat upon it.Ms 8c, 1891, par. 8–10 It means having eternal principles living in the heart and partaking of the divine nature.Ms 8c, 1891, par. 8–10 It means having eyes anointed to discern the enemy and having the life hid with Christ in God as a new supernatural divine life linked to one's own.Ms 8c, 1891, par. 8–10 It means feeling weakness and inefficiency while hungering and thirsting after righteousness.Ms 8c, 1891, par. 8–10 It means trusting One mighty to save to the uttermost and valuing the fellowship and counsel of those who love and serve God.Ms 8c, 1891, par. 8–10

It means keeping distinct from the world and being changed by beholding Christ rather than acquiring a taste for the world.Ms 8c, 1891, par. 8–10 The storm beating on the house is Satan coming with specious temptations as an angel of light.Ms 8c, 1891, par. 8–10 He works with sophistry and deceptions and policy and subtilty and worldly molding influence constantly to subvert souls.Ms 8c, 1891, par. 8–10 He seeks to obliterate the marks of Christian discipleship, to draw servants of God into confederacy with enemies of Christ and truth, and to turn feet into strange paths.Ms 8c, 1891, par. 8–10