7:26Matthew 7:26

Everyone who hears Christ's words and does not put them into practice is like a foolish builder who put his house on sand, which collapsed completely when rain and floods and winds beat upon it.STE 76.2+2 Hearing alone is worthless unless the words are received into the heart and done in everyday life, for outward profession, knowledge, feeling and works cannot take the place of doing the Father's will.HMW 41.2–3+4 The only secure foundation is Christ Himself and His living word embodying the principles of God's law, while sand is every other foundation including self, human ideas and efforts, surface religion, false doctrines and earthly hopes.ST Sep 8, 1909+2 The storm that tests both houses is temptation, trial, adversity and deception in this life, and finally the judgment and wrath of God, which reveal whether the foundation was laid deep and sweep away all that is not built on the Rock.Ms 160, 1898, par. 6–9+4 Doing His words means genuine faith working through love that keeps God's commandments, shows kindness and integrity in family and business, and works to save souls, and even one disregard of His plain requirement weakens the soul and dishonors God.1MR 368.4–369.2+3

Everyone who hears Christ's sayings and does not do them is likened to a foolish man who built his house upon sand, and when the rain descended and the floods came and the winds blew and beat upon that house, it fell and great was its fall.STE 76.2+4 Hearing His teaching without doing it is foolishness because the hearer lacks the obedience that provides a firm foundation, and misunderstanding God's truth or failing to cherish received light leads to careless character building.HMW 41.2–3+2 Carelessness, prejudice, and the deceptions of the natural heart foster self-righteousness and put human wisdom in place of God's wisdom, with terrible consequences, for strength and safety are found only in placing the feet in His footsteps and doing what He says rather than listening to one's own ideas and plans or following the suggestions of one's own mind.ST Aug 13, 1894+1

The saying belongs to the Sermon on the Mount, which was given especially to the disciples but spoken in the hearing of the multitude.DA 298.2–3 It gave lessons of truth to multitudes, including people in ignorance and error, using warning, entreaty, and encouragement to reach and uplift them.DA 298.1 It sets forth the foundation principles of the kingdom of God and the conditions of entrance into it, giving a right conception of His kingdom and of His own character to undo false education about worldly greatness.DA 299.3 He made no direct attack on mistaken ideas of the kingdom and set before hearers no vivid delineation of the misery of the world on account of sin, but taught something infinitely better than they had known and left them to draw their own conclusions as to the nature of the kingdom, and the truths taught are no less important now than to the multitude that heard Him.DA 299.3

Its scene reflects the hills and valleys near the Sea of Galilee, where seasonal streams could become raging torrents in winter storms, sweeping away houses on the grassy plains while houses founded on rock withstood wind and flood.Ms 27, 1886, par. 1–4 Houses were built on level, pleasant ground near the water's edge, easy of access and surrounded by flowers, looking desirable and attractive with workmanship apparently faultless and location apparently right.Ms 2, 1878, par. 8–9 The same kind of place also showed debris and ruins of houses built there, and pointing to the builders and to the ruins showed that hearing without doing ends in complete collapse when rain, floods and wind beat upon the house.Ms 2, 1878, par. 8–9 Those who hear and obey build on the rock and withstand the storm, and through faith gain eternal life, while failing to heed God's word leads to ruin, as Adam and Eve fell from their first estate when they did not heed it.Ms 27, 1886, par. 1–4

Christ drew the houses on rock and on sand from facts of life and experience familiar to His hearers and from daily building experience.3MR 333.2–3+2 This showed a spirit open to the influences of nature and delight in gathering spiritual teaching from the surroundings of daily life.3MR 333.2–3 The everyday scene could make immortal truth memorable and turn ordinary life into a reminder of the unseen, so that the daily task of building is brightened and uplifted by constant reminders of the spiritual and the unseen.ED 102.3–4+1 The lesson in it has something to interest every mind and appeal to every heart, and the familiar image makes an everyday building experience a reminder of spiritual truth.3MR 333.2–3+1

The words, with verses 27-29, close Christ's teaching and are to be studied by every person for individual benefit, as the counterpart to the wise man who built on the rock by doing the will of the Father in heaven.Ms 157, 1907, par. 14 The Sermon on the Mount uses plain words even the poor and unlearned can understand, and its truths have endured through the ages, with many finding in them a sure foundation for faith and practice.5T 253.2–254.1 Its instruction is clear and simple, with nothing in it that cannot be understood, and its lessons are to be exemplified in daily life, since putting them into practice makes a deeper and more lasting impression than words alone.Lt 170, 1901, par. 14+1 Its teaching directly opposed the self-righteous doctrines and practices of the scribes and Pharisees.FE 309.1

Hearing alone is valueless and foolish, for everyone who hears the sayings and does them not is likened to a foolish man who built his house upon the sand, and when rain descended and floods came and winds blew and beat upon that house, it fell and great was the fall of it.Ms 101, 1906, par. 51–57+2 The words must be heard in faith and given earnest heed lest they slip, and they must be read, studied, carefully examined, received into the heart, and put into practical everyday life.Ms 101, 1906, par. 51–57+3 The Bible is to be cherished as God's voice and made the study book and the foundation of faith and life, with truth learned by studying Christ and His Word rather than by what the world thinks.Ms 101, 1906, par. 51–57+1 As Israel needed more than knowledge of Canaan and songs about it to possess the land, so hearing the teaching is not enough, for righteousness is shown in righteous action and holiness consists in surrendering to God and doing His will through faith and obedience. Each hearer is therefore called to examine where he is building and how he is building, lest hereditary and cultivated traits that can never enter the kingdom, quickness to discern the faults of others with blindness to one's own, persistence in having one's own way, and refusal to humble the heart, die to self, and sacrifice will and pride leave him deceived while thinking to do the Lord's work.Ms 101, 1906, par. 51–57+1

Saying Lord, Lord, prophesying, casting out devils, and doing many wonderful works does not enter the kingdom of heaven without doing the will of the Father, and words and works testify on which side a person stands.HMW 41.2–3+2 Outward religion, moral standing, influence, knowledge of the truth, strong feeling of conversion, enjoyment of righteousness, or works done in Christ's name cannot replace doing God's will, which is made known in the Ten Commandments, for disobedience is iniquity and leaves a person without firm foundation and unfit for heaven.Ms 52, 1898, par. 2–6+2 Profession of following Christ without obedience to His Word is the insecure foundation that collapses when rain, floods, and winds strike it, bringing ruin and final rejection.Ms 52, 1898, par. 2–6+2 Only doing is knowing Christ savingly and doing the will of the Father, by which people are judged and enter the kingdom of heaven.ST Jan 27, 1898

Hearing without doing is building on one's own ideas and plans and following the suggestions of one's own mind instead of placing the feet in His footsteps and doing what He says, for He has given orders that are safe to follow.Ms 115, 1906, par. 2–5 It is living a divided life that professes to serve the Lord while scheming to carry out one's own plans that hold back the work He gave His life to accomplish, so that near the close of earth's history such hearers will be deceived unless they repent and are converted.Lt 248, 1907, par. 6–8 It is trusting the words of changeable men and making flesh an arm rather than trusting the Rock who never changes, at the peril of the soul through false presentations, subtle reasoning, false theories, and men who though preaching truth lead into erroneous positions.Ms 115, 1906, par. 1 It is relying on one's own judgment without spiritual discernment and without thorough conversion, so that when trial comes there is no firm foundation and the house perishes.21MR 428.3 It is following own ways, plans, and ideas and trusting self instead of distrusting self, keeping the way of the Lord, doing His will, and making Him counselor, refuge, and help, a spiritual stupidity and sleep at duty without excuse amid breakers and hidden rocks that dash in pieces those without refuge.Ms 18, 1888, par. 16

Because no one knows what is before him, the only safety from that fall is walking with Christ with hand in His and heart filled with perfect trust, keeping close to the Saviour, walking humbly with Him filled with His meekness, with self hid with Him in God.RH Oct 29, 1908 Strength and safety are found only in placing the feet in His footsteps and doing what He says.Ms 115, 1906, par. 2–5 Doing His words means working the works of Christ and seeking to save souls that are perishing instead of folding the arms and leaving unhelped those who could be helped, for neglecting that work deceives the soul about its own condition and gives no strength or encouragement.RH Feb 17, 1903 To claim to be children of God while not doing the words denies that profession, for doing means doing all possible good to high and low, rich and poor, happy and oppressed, and especially showing kindness in the family by courtesy and love to father and mother, husband, wife, and child.Ms 18, 1891, par. 14 It means looking to Jesus to catch His spirit, living in the light of His goodness and love and reflecting His glory upon others, with no harsh rough word spoken, no impatience manifested, and no spirit of recrimination indulged, but fighting the good fight of faith with faith working by love to purify the soul.Ms 18, 1891, par. 14 It means keeping the way of the Lord to do justice and judgment, keeping God ever before the mind and recognizing Him in every transaction between man and his fellow man, practicing high-toned integrity and purest equity in all business, being much upon the knees in humble prayer saying from the heart, Thou, God, seest me, by which those ready to hear and to do are fortified in soul with heavenly principles and great evils are averted.Ms 19, 1891, par. 8–12

The house is a person's life and character, hopes and profession, a building for time and for eternity that must stand final inspection.ST Sep 8, 1909+2 The sand is every foundation other than God's Word and Christ the Rock, including human ideas and opinions, forms and ceremonies of man's invention, any work done independently of the grace of Christ, self, and human theories and inventions.ST Sep 8, 1909+1 To build on sand is to build life on self instead of receiving Christ and making His words by obedience the foundation of character, and every building so erected will fall when fierce tempests of temptation and trial beat upon it and sweep the sandy foundation away, leaving the house a wreck on the shores of time.ST Sep 8, 1909+1 A divided, undecided will with no will power is itself sand, a snare that leaves youth always on the wrong side, accommodating and pliable like a reed shaken by the wind, and the ruin of many in temptation.Ms 121, 1898, par. 21–23

Sand is shallow profession, surface religion, and a religion of words alone, hearing religious teaching or claiming religious activity without letting the Word shape the character.Ms 92a, 1898, par. 21–22+2 It is hearing without dying to self, without thorough conversion and radical change of life and character, so that self remains in control, living faith is lacking, the truth's impression fades when novelty passes, and the spiritual house is not built for eternity nor secured to the eternal Rock.Ms 92a, 1898, par. 21–22+2 It is a life not transformed by grace and not growing in holiness, resting on sliding sand rather than on Christ the Rock, which cannot withstand days of peril and trial.2T 221.1–222.1 Those who truly receive and do His words show the Holy Spirit's inward work through outward conduct, and though a Christian may briefly stray, when shown the mistake he turns again to Jesus, learns from His words, and takes care not to be deceived again.ST Mar 8, 1910

Sand is one's own human efforts, with the soul not riveted to the eternal Rock, so it cannot endure when storms of temptation come and beat upon it, a condition of the larger number who profess present truth while hearers and not doers.Ms 21, 1888, par. 16–19 It is self-love keeping people from valuing and practicing truth even when they know the standard of righteousness, leaving them without faith, principles, or firm foundation when temptation exposes their weakness.ST Aug 13, 1894 It is trusting in oneself for hope, which is unstable foundation leading to ruin, from which one must flee before the tempest to God's sure foundation to rely on Him for salvation, strength, help, and support. Even those highly esteemed among men, if ruled by self-love, build not on the Rock but on the sand and will find it out at last, while building on the Rock is building hopes on Christ Jesus, knowing the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ, wearing His yoke, finding rest only in submission and consecration, setting high estimate upon the Gospel, and trusting God's mercy, love, goodness and truth seen in Christ and at the cross.6MR 25.1–2

Sand is also a defective daily life whose character develops cracks under trial, with no steadfastness of purpose but continual leaning to self-indulgence and self-excuse and no diligent war against wrong thoughts and feelings expressed in words, so that under winds and tempest of trial the soul not riveted to the Eternal Rock stands like a tottering wall bowing over ready to fall to ruin.Lt 25, 1880, par. 9 It is a changeable, imperfect character, excellent when all goes smoothly, fluent in prayer and free in discourse, then changing with feelings into clouds and storms, a jumble of opposites instead of the harmonious character God's building must show, with inward imperfections that must not be excused a moment longer but cleansed from the soul temple by putting away miserable self that takes up the room Christ should occupy.Lt 25, 1880, par. 12

Sand is false theories and unsound doctrines on which hope for eternity is built instead of living by God's law, so that when trial comes the storm sweeps away the false refuge, the structure falls, and the loss is eternal.Ms 108, 1905, par. 26–28+1 It is attractive errors and human teachings making a false foundation that collapses under trials and false teachings, while the rock is the Word of God and Christ's lessons are solid truth.Lt 223, 1905, par. 18–20 It is changeable, pleasing scientific theories set against building faith upon Christ's living Word by hearing and doing.Ms 62, 1904, par. 11–15 It is thinking oneself wise in the sentiments of infidel writers and able to pick out what is precious and leave out what is vile, trusting supposed wisdom from infidel literature instead of fastening the soul to the enduring Rock, a course God pronounces foolish, whose sandy foundation is swept away in persecution and trial leaving nothing to stand on.Ms 8b, 1891, par. 17–20+1 Safety is found only by riveting the soul to the Eternal Rock, coming to the cross of Calvary for inspiration, and becoming a wise builder whose house does not fall because founded on the rock.Ms 8b, 1891, par. 17–20 The same sand includes speculation, unholy principles mingled with sacred duties, spiritualistic sentiments, fanciful sentiments called truth, and denial of a personal God and a personal Christ.Ms 62, 1904, par. 11–15+3

Sand is building hopes on worthless foundations such as fluctuating feelings and excitement instead of firm belief in God's true statements, so that those who profess religion and are baptized but have no connection between feeling and belief lose fervor when pleasant emotion fades, fall into careless indifference, seek the pleasure of excitement, the ballroom and the dance, and prove themselves on sliding sand, drinking at broken cisterns that can hold no water without hunger of soul for righteousness or thirst for the waters of life.Lt 14, 1885, par. 38–39 It is an unsanctified mind indulging restless desires for novelty and pleasure to direct life rather than submitting will, appetites, and passions to God, a restless pursuit Satan uses to attract and ensnare the young.19MR 326.3–327.2+1 It is making a small spot of earthly land the highest ambition to neglect of eternal interest, bringing irreparable loss, whereas building on the rock seeks earthly treasure only as necessary for sustenance while securing the eternal by laying up treasure in heaven, so that like a wise master builder provision is made beforehand and the builder is safe when the storm of sickness or adversity strikes.Lt 6, 1871, par. 7 It is also accepting a way of life or religious or health principles because others do, without understanding principles or acting from personal conviction, which leaves no sound foundation and fails when tested.2T 366.3–367.1+1

The rock and sure foundation is Christ Himself, the eternal Rock and Rock of Ages, His living Word and the sayings He spoke on the mount.CT 61.3+1 Those sayings embody the great principles of the law and the very nature, character, love, and life of God, and to build upon them is to build upon Christ; receiving the word is receiving Christ, and only those who thus receive His words are building upon Him, the Word and revelation of God, the only foundation on which enduring character can be formed.ST Jun 30, 1909 Building wisely means digging deep, removing all the rubbish, and laying life on Christ Jesus, in whom alone is salvation, with underlying godliness firmly united to Christ rather than moved by emotion and stirred feelings or attached to human workers.Ms 20a, 1889, par. 8–9+1 Christ, who came in humanity and preached and practiced His own teachings, stands as the perfect Model of right building, and it makes every difference which foundation is chosen, for many will find at last they built on quicksand instead of solid rock when storms, tempests, and floods beat about the house to test the work and reveal seams and cracks.Ms 20a, 1889, par. 8–9 The only laid foundation is Christ, shepherd and bishop of souls, and the platform of eternal truth; hearing His call to come and learn rest is not enough, for rest and lasting good are secured only when spiritual life is given, and then in storm and tempest the wise builder can say his anchor holds and stand secure, while building on any other foundation is building on shifting sand, adrift in human foolishness and frailty, man's seductive arts, and Satan's planning, where even reformation without the Holy Spirit's reviving power ends in drifting insecurity.MWISDAP 42.2 He who builds upon that Rock by faith in Christ is safe, and storm and tempest beat against his house in vain.Lt 56, 1901, par. 12

The rain, floods, winds, storm and tempest that beat upon the house are temptation, trial and testing in every form, including adversity, sickness, opposition and persecution, pressure and the crises that test faith.Lt 19a, 1892, par. 14–15+4 They are also deceptive devices and false teachings, and the shaking in which everything that can be shaken is shaken.ST May 22, 1884+1 Hearing without doing leaves a foundation that cannot stand when temptation comes, for genuine faith works through love, purifies the soul and bears righteous fruit, while a religion without firm foundation is swept away by the storm of trial.Lt 19a, 1892, par. 14–15+2 A life shaped by self-gratification and yielding to temptation has no secure foundation in truth, but a life built on the Rock withstands tempests because it rests on solid ground, with mind, principles, thoughts and actions shaped by God's word.Lt 19a, 1892, par. 16–18+2

The storm reveals whether the foundation was laid first and deep beneath the visible structure, with all rubbish removed, for success in life requires this hidden discipline and experience in everyday duties, which education and the sciences alone cannot supply.TBC1872 27.1+2 In easy times the builder on sliding sand, the professed Christian without living faith, cannot be distinguished from the true Christian, just as other trees in summer cannot be distinguished from evergreens.ST May 22, 1884 When trial and temptation come like winter blasts and beating winds and tempests, his want of strength is made manifest, while storm and tempest beat in vain against the house founded on faith in Christ, the Rock of Ages.ST May 22, 1884+1 Living faith then holds the soul in the hour of trial, lightens burdens, rejoices in hope, is patient in affliction and conquers temptation.ST May 22, 1884 Building wisely therefore means digging deep, removing all rubbish and laying life on Christ Jesus, in whom alone is salvation.CT 61.3

The storm also includes the final judgment, when God brings every work into judgment with every secret thing whether good or evil, and calls for being doers of the Word in home life and business life, with neighbor, in words spoken and spirit manifested, building character after the divine similitude by obeying God's law.Ms 160, 1898, par. 6–9 It is the coming tempest and overwhelming flood of God's wrath that will sweep over the world, when each person's work is revealed and judged according to its character.6T 16.1–3+2 Professing to build on Christ while dealing dishonestly is building on sliding sand, and when the great tempest comes that foundation is swept away and offers no refuge, for worldly success gained through injustice wounds the conscience and cannot replace enduring honors and riches from God.ST Feb 7, 1884 Hearing without obeying leaves the foundation to fail when God's wrath comes, so the truth must be shown before it is too late, and those who have received light must labor with ever deeper earnestness to impart it to others.6T 16.1–3+2

The fall is complete collapse, seen in houses built on level pleasant ground near the water's edge, easy of access and surrounded by flowers, desirable and attractive with apparently faultless workmanship, yet ending as debris and ruins when rain, floods and wind beat upon them.Ms 2, 1878, par. 8–9 Every building erected on any foundation other than God's word — human ideas and opinions, invented forms and ceremonies, and any work done independently of Christ's grace — will fall, for the fierce tempests of temptation sweep away the sandy foundation and leave the house a wreck on the shores of time.ST Sep 8, 1909 When it falls its fall is complete because the ruin is eternal, neither standing the storms of temptation in this life nor the overwhelming flood of God's wrath.STE 80.4–81.1 To make believe the heart is right with God without genuine reformation, remaining under deception and not born again, is to build on sliding sand without God and without hope, unable to enter the celestial city.Lt 43, 1903, par. 16–19 It means being too late to make the preparation all must make who are received into the mansions Christ has gone to prepare for those who love His appearing, and being lost eternally though Christ purchased them with His life-blood to give life that measures with the life of God, a terrible revelation when the house moves from under its builders.Lt 43, 1903, par. 16–19+2

Profession of keeping God's law while walking contrary to its principles cannot stand when storm and tempest of temptation beat upon it, but falls with great fall as an entire wreck.1MR 368.4–369.2+1 One act of disobedience weakens power to see the sinfulness of the second act, and one little disregard of a Thus saith the Lord is sufficient to stop the promised blessing of the Holy Spirit.1MR 368.4–369.2+1 By such disobedience light once precious becomes obscure, Satan takes charge of mind and soul, and God is greatly dishonored.1MR 368.4–369.2 Exact obedience is therefore required, and it is possible to live a perfect life.1MR 368.4–369.2

Doing the Father's will is made known in the Ten Commandments and God's law, and hearing Jesus' teachings without obeying them is building on sand that falls with great ruin when rain, floods and winds strike.Ms 27, 1899, par. 19–20+1 Profession of faith or impressive religious works cannot replace doing that will, for disobedience is iniquity and leaves no firm foundation.Ms 27, 1899, par. 19–20 Profession of keeping the law while walking contrary to its principles cannot stand when storm and tempest of temptation beat upon it, but falls as an entire wreck.1MR 368.4–369.2+1 One act of disobedience weakens power to see the sinfulness of the second, one little disregard of a Thus saith the Lord can stop the promised blessing of the Holy Spirit, obscure precious light once loved, let Satan take charge of mind and soul, and greatly dishonor God, so exact obedience is required and a perfect life is possible.1MR 368.4–369.2+1 Trusting partial obedience and self-made terms is the foolish building, pleading good in most things and keeping most commandments while refusing the fourth and keeping the day the world observes to avoid being out of harmony with the world.ST Dec 15, 1887 That plea is a broken reed and ropes of sand, as absurd as a criminal pleading not guilty because he generally obeyed law and stole only occasionally, and as vain as Adam and Eve excusing one departure after full obedience until then, and such building cannot stand before the courts of Jehovah, leaving those resting on it to awaken at last to find they are lost.ST Dec 15, 1887

The sandy foundation is opposing God's law and trusting a false Sabbath, realizing too late that the religious foundation is unsound.GC88 640.1 It is false religious teaching that led people to reject God's law, oppose the Sabbath and lead others astray, seen at the final judgment to be without excuse.GC 639.2–640.1 It is also ministers who join worldly influences and mislead the young, who have not built on the Eternal Rock, cannot be trusted with influence, and must face the results of their work before God.TBC1882 16.2 Religious teachers who mislead while claiming to guide to salvation bear grave responsibility, and the consequences of their unfaithfulness will be fully known only at the final judgment.GC88 640.1

The sure foundation is hearing and doing Christ's sayings, which is the truth of God brought by the prophets, preached by the apostles and presented by Christ, and hearing without accepting and doing leaves mere profession that does not represent Him in life and character and is worthless, the same as saying Lord, Lord without doing the will of the Father in heaven.Ms 2, 1878, par. 10 The foolish builder is everyone who builds instead on human vanities, doctrines, decrees and requirements set up against God, and such building will fall before the face of God.GC 202.3–203.2 He who builds on God's pure word as contained in the biblical books of the Old and New Testaments, without adding anything contrary to it, will stand against all the powers of hell.GC 202.3–203.2+2 That Word is the only truth and the sure rule of all doctrine and of all life, and can never fail or deceive, while what is set against it will fall.GC 202.3–203.2+2

At the judgment the foolish builder on sand is distinguished from the one who builds on the eternal Rock, and each person's work is revealed and judged according to its character, including whether personal principles and practices dishonored God's work and shaped the churches.Lt 63, 1896, par. 18 There is no neutral ground for those with the Word brought home to mind and conscience: they are either living by every word proceeding from the mouth of God and entitled to all treasures of heaven, or only hearers and not doers whose sliding sand foundation is swept away by storm and tempest of temptation.Lt 52, 1891, par. 46–50 Guilt and innocence are measured according to privileges, opportunities for instruction, light and knowledge, so those who do not practice what they know are most guilty in proportion to their light.Lt 52, 1891, par. 46–50 Failure to live by light given separates from Him and brings darkness in proportion to light rejected, as with the Jewish people who received God's will through patriarchs and prophets yet by disobedience were left unprepared to show a character and way of life fitting that light, for God's requirements are just and require complete obedience to His commandments.ST Mar 26, 1896 Those who carelessly disregard the life and character and works of Christ are most dangerous because their example leads others out of obedience, faith and rectitude, and one person in office who is not a doer does incalculable evil for which the judgment shall sit and the books be opened.Lt 52, 1891, par. 46–50

Hearing without doing is a foolish foundation that cannot stand when temptation comes, while genuine faith works through love, purifies the soul and bears righteous fruit in actions.Lt 19a, 1892, par. 14–15 Obedience begins with light already understood, and as God's word is received in faith it gives power to obey, building character after the likeness of Christ. The words spoken on the mount embody God's law and character, so building on them means receiving Christ and doing what He teaches, and mere knowledge, profession or enjoyment of righteousness is not enough.ST Jun 30, 1909 True faith is shown in righteous action and obedience, which does not earn favor but follows receiving undeserved love.ST Jun 30, 1909 Those who receive Scripture's teaching into life and obey God's requirements build on the solid Rock, Christ, depending on Him for strength unto a transformed pure character that stands when tested.ST Sep 8, 1909 Mere profession does not save while rejecting God's law and living in transgression, but living faith works through love, purifies the soul, brings life into obedience to God's standard of righteousness, keeps His commandments and produces holiness, kindness and love, and special providences or miraculous works do not prove faith or teaching genuine.ST Sep 8, 1909

The seventh chapter of Matthew is to be studied most critically again and again, every word as for life, together with James 2, James 4:5-12 and James 5:13-20.Lt 8, 1910, par. 14+1 It is to be studied for personal enlightenment and for doing the required work first in the heart and then in daily life in reaching lost souls, not to prove supposed faults discerned in other church members.Lt 8, 1910, par. 14+1 Mere hearing without doing is vain, for the law is God's great moral looking glass by which words, spirit and actions must be compared with the Word of God.Ms 7, 1898, par. 17–20 The defects pointed out in those whose thoughts are absorbed with the faults of others are very serious, and unless there are decided conversions, many who think they are lights will prove to be stumbling blocks.Lt 8, 1910, par. 14

The warning belongs to churches nigh and afar off today and calls every individual to deeper consecration and diligent work for his own salvation, or many will be unprepared to enter the holy city.Ms 101, 1906, par. 51–57 The sayings must be read, studied and carefully examined, because many will be deceived by the enemy while thinking themselves to be doing the Lord's work, refusing to obey His commandments and refusing to be corrected until Satan's angels lead them on in deception to be forever lost.Ms 101, 1906, par. 51–57 Holding to self-confidence and rejecting correction leaves a person on sand, and repentance and obedience are necessary to avoid ruin when the storm comes and the fall is great.Lt 360, 1905, par. 8–10 What is required is humble learning from Christ and surrendering self so He can cleanse the heart and transform the character, digging deep to lay the foundation sure upon the eternal Rock and growing to the full stature of a man in Christ Jesus.Ms 115, 1905, par. 7–9+1

The church in Battle Creek is called to be doers of the Word by leaving Battle Creek for towns and cities where people have not had light and opportunities, to reach souls now hanging in the balance.Ms 7, 1898, par. 21–25 Now is the time and opportunity to do the will of God from a sincere, devoted heart and to take a stand against spiritual deception and the power of darkness which has come in and led many souls captive.STB 359.2–3+1 Divided service the Lord will not accept, for those who are not with Christ and not gathering with Christ scatter abroad, and many houses now supposed to stand secure will fall.Ms 7, 1898, par. 21–25 The same warning bears on the proposed reopening of Battle Creek College there, urging the people to hear the message and build on the Rock rather than on a failing foundation that will give way when the coming tempest strikes.Lt 84, 1906, par. 8

Parents, teachers and students are building character for eternity under the figure of house-building and must see that the foundation is sure on the solid Rock, then build firmly with persistent effort in gentleness, meekness and love.CT 61.1+2 Each person builds character through daily choices and must take care how he builds, cultivating the powers God gives to form a character useful in this life and fit for the life to come, for the completed work will eventually be revealed as it is.4T 656.3+2 A house so built stands unshaken not only when the storms of temptation come but when the overwhelming flood of God's wrath sweeps over the world, while a house built on sand will not stand and when it falls its fall is complete because the ruin is eternal.CT 63.3+1

Superficial training from the cradle without self-denial and self-control, petting and indulging children until they are spoiled for practical life, leaves character unstable and unprepared for temptation.FE 28.1 School leaders who imitate worldly customs and provide worldly entertainments instead of following the Lord's requirements act like foolish builders, mislead the youth, and must answer to God for the influence they have exerted.6T 142.2–143.1+1 Education built on human tradition and infidel literature is building on sand and will never fit the learner to live so as to obtain the higher immortal life, bearing no comparison with the teachings of Him who came to show the way to heaven.STE 10.1 Building on the Rock means making the Bible the foundation of all study and the basis of education, so that young men and women become wise unto salvation, understand the truth for this time, and know what is required of them.Ms 38, 1904, par. 35+1

Giving up the doctrines that stand as pillars of faith, discarding the principles of truth given to the remnant church, counting the fundamental principles that sustained the work for fifty years as error, changing religion, establishing a new organization, writing books of a new order, introducing intellectual philosophy and a system of intellectual philosophy, lightly regarding the Sabbath and the God who created it, removing God and placing dependence on human power which without God is worthless even while teaching that virtue is better than vice and doing a wonderful work in the cities, is building the foundation on sand, and storm and tempest will sweep away the structure.MWISDAP 39.3+2 Those who undertake to build a new faith and establish new principles apart from the foundation principles laid by prayerful study of the Word and by revelation are building without the true foundation, and their work will fall to pieces.Lt 232, 1903, par. 42–47

Building on the solid Rock is holding fast to the old waymarks and remaining steadfast to the truth through evil report as well as through good report and through conflict and crisis, as shown by aged workers who have held firm.YGBCOEP 64.1+3 Building on sand is failing to be steadfast, letting Satan make of no account those monuments raised up along the way.YGBCOEP 64.1 Hearing without doing lacks a secure foundation, while those faithful to truth and principle through conflict have built on solid rock.STB 343.1+1

Obeying now means moving printing establishments, institutions, sanitariums and schools out of the cities into special favorable rural locations where city life will not retard the work, where workers are separated from constant temptation, where land can be secured and improved to support as far as possible those with families so they can live without large wages, where economy is practiced, and where the standard of truth is lifted in new localities.Ms 40a, 1904, par. 12 It means abandoning display and practicing economy rather than spending beyond what the school can sustain.Lt 60, 1896, par. 11–13 It means humbling self before the Lord and acting in unity rather than pursuing independent lines.Ms 90, 1901, par. 23

Building on sand is not loving righteousness and not loving the law of God even while professing Christ and hearing truth in church and seeing the claims of God, having only surface religion, being deceptive and untrustworthy in deal, breaking pledges and contracts, and practicing covetousness, intemperance, impurity and wasteful indulgence such as tobacco.STE 78.1–79.2 It is holding any pet indulgence that separates the soul from God and prevents candid and wise judgment between time and eternity, trifling with God by selfish bargain and clinging to sin instead of obeying His Thou shalt and Thou shalt not, in contrast to building on the Rock Christ Jesus by searching the Bible, weighing evidence and deciding what is truth.STE 78.1–79.2 Professing to build on Christ while dealing dishonestly is building on sliding sand that the great tempest sweeps away and offers no refuge, for a character approved by God and people is worth more than wealth and dishonest gain wounds the conscience.Lt 71, 1895, par. 7+1 It includes judging others without mercy while failing to live out love, treating others harshly with selfishness, oppression and robbery, unjustly gaining at another's expense in business, associating with false guides who lead feet into false paths, and trusting men, all of which must be turned from square about and reformed before God can look with favor on the work.Lt 71, 1895, par. 7+3

A mark made on sand contrasted with an impression on enduring rock shows that harmful influences received in youth can leave lasting marks on mind and character.5T 544.2 Medical students and youth must therefore take heed to their ways and build on the eternal Rock.18MR 301.2–302.1 Those bearing the burden of speaking before large congregations must consider their work in all its bearings, putting on the armor for conflict without the boasting of one who has already taken it off after victory.Lt 126, 1908, par. 3

Only those who build on the Rock of Ages are secure amid the coming crisis and the perils of the last days, when everything will be in confusion and Satan stealthily works to confuse the minds of those who know the truth by bringing in misleading sentiments.Lt 248, 1907, par. 6–8+2 Human inventions cannot provide a sure foundation, and new faiths and principles not founded on the Rock likewise do not stand.STA 68.1+1 The truths of the Word of God are a platform braced by solid timbers, a foundation built by the Master Worker that will stand storm and tempest, and to loosen its timbers is to lead men to accept doctrines that deny the past experience of the people of God, such as spiritualistic sentiments regarding the personality of God.MWISDAP 38.1 Watchmen who ought to be standing on the walls of Zion must not be asleep and silent while this loosening goes on, but must take decided action to prevent it and warn others before it is too late, for reformation without the Holy Spirit's reviving power cannot stand and a divided life that professes to serve the Lord while scheming to carry out one's own plans will be deceived unless there is repentance and conversion.Lt 248, 1907, par. 6–8+1

Judas heard Christ's instruction but did not take it to heart or let it change his character, refused the light and was overcome by temptation, showing that a life built on neglected truth collapses when trials come.RH Aug 7, 1900 Rulers of the nations build on sand when through ignorance they fail to plant their feet upon the platform of eternal truth, and they are not to be worshiped as gods, for they remain accountable to God and must answer to Him if they become a savor of death unto death to those under their jurisdiction.17MR 320.1+1

Refusing heaven's light and appeals while resisting truth, rejecting counsel to follow one's own ideas, treating the Testimonies lightly, rejecting reproof that exposes sin, and claiming to believe reproof until it tells them to change plans and methods and make character-building altogether different and then denying errors and justifying self instead of changing, all leave the house on sand.SBAWP 23.2+3 Those who do so can lead others to follow the same course into error rather than to the firm foundation of truth, and those who persist are lukewarm and face rejection.SBAWP 23.2+2

Building on sand is making a small spot of earthly land the highest ambition to the neglect of eternal interest, which brings a loss for which there can never be compensation.Lt 6, 1871, par. 7 Building on the Rock is the opposite course of seeking earthly treasure only as necessary for sustenance while holding above every earthly advantage that the eternal must be made secure by laying up treasure in heaven.Lt 6, 1871, par. 7 Sickness, death and adversity are the storm that strikes the house, and the builder on the Rock is safe when it comes because like a wise master builder provision was made beforehand, while a life spent neglecting Bible study and preparation for immortal life is revealed to have no solid foundation.Lt 6, 1871, par. 7+1 A life built on feeling rather than obedience and trust in God is insecure, for Christian hope rests on God's sure word and promises, not on whether a person feels joyful or senses God's favor, and even in depression, adversity or trial faith can trust God and honor Him, knowing changing feelings do not mean God has changed or forsaken His people.RH Sep 8, 1910

Matthew 7:26 is a warning and caution addressed to everyone who hears Christ's sayings to count the cost of discipleship.Lt 109, 1893, par. 6–7 It calls the hearer to deny self, take up the cross and follow Him, loving Him more than father or mother or son or daughter.Lt 109, 1893, par. 6–7 To hear without doing is to live a life of deception that deludes the soul.Lt 109, 1893, par. 6–7