3:18Revelation 3:18

Christ as the faithful and true Witness who searches hearts counsels the lukewarm Laodicean church, which says it is rich and needs nothing but is wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked, to buy from Him alone gold, white raiment and eyesalve.3T 41.2+2 Buying means coming feeling need with humility, contrition and childlike trust to open the door as He knocks, with diligent zeal and repentance that searches out sin, clears rubbish and separates from sin.SG4 186.1+2 The gold is faith that works by love, genuine and refined by trial until character is made truly rich, the white raiment is the righteousness of Christ, a pure spotless character not of human making to cover nakedness, and the eyesalve is heavenly anointing giving spiritual sight to see the true poor, blind condition and distinguish true righteousness from self-righteousness.COL 158.3+3 The counsel applies especially now to those with great light and privileges who have become lukewarm and satisfied, and unless heeded with zealous repentance the lukewarm will be spewed out, while receiving it breaks the heart, brings confession, humility and restored unity, and prepares for the latter rain and translation.SCEV 26.2–4+4

The counsel comes from Christ Himself as the Amen, the faithful and true Witness who searches hearts, to the lukewarm Laodicean church that claims to be rich and in need of nothing while in truth it is wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked, and He urges it to buy from Him alone gold tried in fire that it may be rich, white raiment that it may be clothed and the shame of nakedness not appear, and eyesalve that it may see.3T 41.2+4 That counsel is directed to professed Christians who keep the commandments yet are neither cold nor hot, to everyone who professes to serve Him while in life denying Him and who is not thoroughly converted, and to those awaiting His soon return who have become worldly, cold and formal and seek human approval rather than God's, warning that unless they repent zealously they will be rejected.3T 41.2+4 It is gracious and compassionate counsel to people who think themselves righteous and self-sufficient, and receiving it opens the eyes to a hard and unjust spirit and true need of God, leading to broken heart, confession, humility and reconciliation.SCEV 26.2–4+2 It applies to one who takes the young to amusements and joins singing schools with worldlings in darkness where evil angels gather, where his light is feeble and dim and angels of God do not go with him so he is left to his own strength, and where Satan is pleased because profession makes him more useful in evil service.3T 41.2

Human judgment exalts some and condemns others, but God looks at the heart and reads the motives prompting action, so those exalted by human judgment may be pronounced by God wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, while many condemned by men are vindicated by God, because human judgment often errs and condemns from defective discernment.Ms 108, 1901, par. 18–19 Christ does not abandon the lukewarm church in its distasteful condition but mercifully counsels it back to Himself rather than to worldly gain, even for people who have worked many years yet moved away from truth, holiness, Christ and God, and whose works He knows.Ms 176, 1903, par. 5+1 Commercial concerns can absorb minds and weaken the sense of the truth's importance, leaving people neither cold nor hot, and the counsel to buy from Christ points them back to Him.Ms 190, 1905, par. 10–12

The verse belongs to the last testimony Jesus gave to John as message after message to the seven churches, specifically as part of the message directed to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans.16MR 203.4–204.1+1 It is part of the messages to the churches in the first, second and third chapters of Revelation that give the history of Satan's effort to bring dissension into the church, difficulties that must be met today.Lt 31, 1903, par. 6 Those messages given to the churches in Asia portray the state of things existing in the churches of the religious world today, for the names of the churches are symbolic of the Christian church in different periods of the Christian era, and the number seven indicates completeness, showing the messages extend to the end of time and are in force today.Ms 81, 1900, par. 54–56 In this message Christ weighs the characters of those who have taken His name as Christians, keeping every individual under His supervision and knowing the thoughts and intents of the heart as well as every word and act and all about religious experience, calling for close self-examination, while the figures used are symbolic of God's professed people as wheat developing among tares, with truth standing on its own eternal basis in contrast with error.Ms 81, 1900, par. 54–56

The whole third chapter is solemn warning given from God for these last days, made known by Christ Himself to John on Patmos, showing the last events of this earth's history to keep minds clear so Satan cannot confuse and deceive if possible the very elect, and every word of that chapter is to be studied by those who watch for souls as those who must give an account.Lt 100, 1906, par. 17+2 It is to be studied carefully and understood now and diligently because it points out the danger of losing hold upon things heard and learned from the Source of all light, calling to remember how truth was received and heard, to hold fast and to repent.1MR 54.4+2 Men will arise claiming new light whose theories if received would destroy faith in truths that have stood the test for half a century, including faith in the sanctuary question, by misapplying true texts and giving them a wrong meaning, and faults in the form of subtle theories spread by influence of mind upon mind through those departed from the faith can imperceptibly imbue the mind and draw away from the faith.Ms 145, 1905, par. 2–5+1 Heeding the counsel keeps faith in Jesus Christ from being spoiled, confused and made of none effect by human interpretations and fables that would loosen one pin and remove one pillar from the platform of truth.1MR 54.4 That study places a watchman's charge on ministers and doctors in every place to guard every outpost, to speak in clear decided tones under the Holy Spirit, and to rouse themselves and not stay stubborn in unbelief, because if a soul is left in uncertainty or led wrong and never extricated from the enemy's snare but becomes confused and perishes, its blood will be required at their hands.Lt 100, 1906, par. 17

The verse diagnoses self-complacency in those who say I am rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing, when before God they are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, in sad and honest deception about their spiritual condition.4T 227.2+4 While they flatter themselves that they are right with God and rich in spiritual knowledge and good Christians in an exalted condition, they do not have the principles of truth in their hearts but are cold, formal, backslidden and lukewarm, without a ray of light from Jesus and without living experience in the divine life.4T 227.2+2 Their outward religious duties do not make them spiritually rich, and they feel satisfied with spiritual attainments though spiritually poor, blind and naked and failing to meet God's standard of holiness, needing to repent.5T 214.3+2 The counsel declares they are deceived and in need of every spiritual grace, lacking light, grace and living experience, and calls them to deep and thorough self-abasement before God and to diligent persevering earnestness to feel true need and secure the precious graces of the Spirit, a correction especially needed in California and in a time of pride, ambition and hypocrisy.4T 227.2+1

The third chapter gives a picture of the spiritual life of many and holds out precious promises to the overcomer.Lt 66, 1910, par. 6 Its counsel to obtain what Christ offers belongs to the appeal to be zealous and repent, to heed Him and change attitude, addressed to professed believers whose spiritual condition requires change.Ms 142, 1909, par. 25–27 That message marks the spiritual condition of God's people and calls them to awake to it, requiring overcoming through wholehearted obedience to all God's commandments, since true virtue cannot be partial and true religion means obedience to all, calling for a life and character shaped by Him in conduct showing readiness for eternal life.7MR 264.4–266.1 The Laodicean need is present in schools and workers who have left first love and show hardness and coldness and want of sympathy except for a favorite few, and the message calls for a higher standard reached by working in Christ and in Christ's way, being meek and lowly in heart which brings rest even in hardest conflict through true religion.Ms 8a, 1891, par. 21–24 It requires seeking and saving the lost with the Spirit of the true Helper, transformation by conversion where the leaven works until every action conforms to God's will in sanctification, receiving a new heart, letting the Sun of Righteousness into the heart, walking in the light as Christ is in the light, and receiving the baptism of the Holy Ghost.Ms 8a, 1891, par. 21–24 Revelation 3:14-22 applies to the people of God in their present spiritual condition, for Christ's sake calling them to open their eyes to discern spiritual things.Ms 107, 1901, par. 24–26

The Laodiceans identified are nominal first-day Adventists who make a mighty effort but do not get the victory, brought into close quarters unable to tell where they are, lost in foggy terrible fear with anguish of spirit seizing them.13MR 301.4+2 They committed the sin against the Holy Ghost by ascribing to Satan what belongs to God and what the Holy Ghost has done, saying the shut door was of the devil, and they dare not admit the door is shut because that position stands against their own lives so they shall die the death.13MR 301.4+2 Against them stands the poor despised company honored of God who buckle on the armor, fight the good fight of faith, and prove that one can chase a thousand and two put ten thousand to flight.Ms 10, 1850, par. 6 The way set before the Laodiceans is to look at the Pattern and follow Him because He is meek and lowly in heart, shutting the eyes to everything but present saving truth.13MR 301.4+2

The verse speaks as the True Witness to workers who present broken ranks instead of a united front, publish directly opposite views, and turn the weapons of warfare against their brethren.Lt 61, 1893, par. 19–21 His word condemns working away from the words of Christ in confidence in own judgment, and calls for a different order of things in which the children of God love one another as Christ has loved them.Lt 61, 1893, par. 19–21

To buy is to come to Christ sensing need, with simplicity, humility, contrition and childlike trust, opening the heart's door as He knocks to sup within, rather than expecting the treasures without exertion.SG4 186.1+4 It involves becoming zealous and repenting of lukewarmness, recognizing wrongs, searching out sins and earnestly turning from them, instead of spending time caviling and gossiping over one another.SG4 186.1+2 The offer stands open as a heavenly merchant's costly goods to self-satisfied Laodiceans who say they are rich and need nothing while wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked, and every individual needs a decided interest in it, especially those who think the sharp message does not mean them.Lt 30a, 1892, par. 24–29+2 Receiving means admitting Jesus so His image is reflected and an intensity of love created, with the melting love of God filling the heart and the graces of the Spirit of truth and righteousness received, putting away pride, self-reliance, self-importance, boastfulness and dependence on human capabilities.Lt 65, 1896, par. 13+2 The first work is to repent and clear away the fog of dissension and misunderstanding, with the Holy Spirit opening minds to realize the condition and the ear alert to hear His voice, rather than shutting Him out with worldliness, pride and lukewarmness.Lt 30a, 1892, par. 24–29+1

Buying is individual work in which each person takes hold personally to rise from being down, looks away from others to Jesus as pattern and example, leans wholly on God, throws away feelings and exalted confidence in human judgment, rights all known wrongs, and then believes God accepts and receives.1T 165.3–4+2 It is never done unless one sees own spiritual nakedness, becomes conscious of own imperfections instead of harshly blaming others, and feels the need to be clothed with Christ's righteousness or perish.Lt 24a, 1882, par. 11–13 It is done by keeping eyes fixed on Christ, studying His life filled with goodness, grace and truth, following His example, asking whether purpose and character are like His, contemplating the Saviour until drawn more strongly to Him, and beholding the love of Jesus which gives light and life, thereby joined to all power given to Christ to become a humble faithful witness.Lt 257, 1903, par. 21 Instruction in all schools is to lead students to put on the white robe of His righteousness.Lt 226, 1908, par. 1–3

Buying requires no money, wealth, education or advantage, for salvation is freely offered in the market of divine mercy without money or price, and the poor can obtain it as readily as the rich.Ms 44, 1898, par. 31–32+3 Yet receiving requires giving self wholly to Christ in willing obedience, keeping His commandments and living in harmony with God, which no human agent can supply to satisfy the soul's hunger and thirst.Ms 44, 1898, par. 31–32+3 Christ alone counsels and supplies the tried gold that makes truly rich, the white clothing that covers shame, and the eyesalve that enables sight, inviting all who recognize need while those boasting they lack nothing may remain poor, blind and naked and reject what He offers.ST Mar 9, 1915+2

Buying means diligent earnest effort with zeal and repentance proportionate to value, being awake to see wrongs, searching for sins, clearing rubbish, praying with strong crying, casting out bitterness, separating from sin and acting for Christ as producers not consumers.SG4 186.1+2 The gold, white raiment and eyesalve are precious treasures that do not drop without exertion, bringing possession of desirable treasures and everlasting life in the kingdom, worth intensity and earnestness like men show striving for earthly treasure with energy, calculation, planning and toiling early and late and sacrificing ease.SG4 186.2–3+1 It means afflicting the soul, laboring and agonizing instead of going down, being left to work out need and feel weakness while the chance to repent remains, and speedily arousing or else going into darkness ensnared and overcome.Ms 1, 1857, par. 8+1

Buying means changing leaders, dismissing Satan the accuser, ceasing criticism and complaint in home and church, yoking up with Christ in partnership, surrendering unreservedly to the Holy Spirit, and receiving grace that transforms character to make kind tender helpers, to be applied to one's own case and received with zeal and repentance not criticized with the messenger.Lt 39, 1895, par. 5–11+1 It means harmony with the straight testimony through decided personal labor outside the pulpit to reprove individual wrong, laying the hand firmly upon wrong instead of shunning it or sympathizing with the disaffected, with freedom from prejudice and partiality, refusing false reports and censure of those to be trusted and united with.Lt 15, 1862, par. 10–12 It means laying aside set willfulness and self-confidence in own judgment, feeling right toward fellow laborers, having confidence in them, not pulling apart in jealousy or differing before others, but pulling with all might together to build up and gather rather than scatter and tear down.Lt 15, 1862, par. 10–12

Buying means repenting diligently, clearing the soul before God, ceasing complaining, faultfinding, criticizing and pressing brethren into hard places, leaving brethren alone, and coming to God for light and life and salvation where He can give the presence of His Spirit in the work.Ms 16, 1903, par. 4–5+2 Each person is to be zealous and repent for own wrongs, take care of own soul and conscience, and lay aside wrong burdens and reproofs to commence anew, instead of watching others, reproving brethren and binding burdens upon them.Lt 17, 1859, par. 4–6 When His Spirit abides in the heart and is seen in the life, others are led to seek help from the same source and obey the same Word, with spiritual sight to recognize own sins and danger rather than focusing on a brother's faults.Ms 16, 1903, par. 4–5+1

Buying the gold and white raiment means justification by faith and the righteousness of Christ, giving up lukewarmness for love and zeal, practicing solemn soul-stirring truths long heard but not lived, and presenting them to a perishing world so as to triumph with the third angel's message.Ms 151, 1897, par. 3–4+2 Christ as heavenly merchantman displays the richest jewels of faith and love and calls to open the heart's door, now sounding in all its phases to be carried wherever the way opens, making the receiver a mouthpiece declaring indwelling grace.Ms 151, 1897, par. 3–4+1 Those who steel hearts, fold hands in complacency and keep mere profession while denying power refuse the offer, and if they continue will be rejected with abhorrence, so they must awake before everlastingly too late.Ms 151, 1897, par. 3–4

The gold is not gained through intrigue, dishonesty or underhanded business dealings, but calls for an honest stand for God, cleansing from wrong dealing and satanic principles, dealing justly, loving mercy and walking humbly with a single eye to God's glory.Lt 346, 1905, par. 6–7+2 Repentance has become mixed with hay, wood and stubble, with works of wrong practiced while talking principle, and every evil work is coming into judgment, requiring humble repentance now to receive pardon and save the soul from death.Lt 346, 1905, par. 6–7 Receiving the gold requires sin crucified and complete moral renovation by the Holy Spirit, growing in divine life, beholding Christ and learning God's truths until changed to the Redeemer's likeness, making strong determined effort for everlasting life, durable honor and enduring riches rather than selling spirituality for position or praise as birthright for pottage.5T 105.2+1

Buying brings cleanness, clothing and sight when practical truth enters the life and the Word works like a sharp two-edged sword to cut away surplus of self, refusing selfishness, greed and boasting which Christ will not countenance.Ms 7, 1902, par. 29+1 It is given to all who have any regard for their souls and to everyone not awake to see defects of character, addressing those with great light who think they are rich and need nothing but are spiritually poor and unaware.Lt 101, 1904, par. 20–22+1 Buying means becoming truly changed by genuine conversion, ridding the heart of selfishness, repenting and turning to the Lord with all the heart, and complying with conditions Christ laid down, so as to become His witness and missionary instead of hindering His work wide of mercy, judgment and love.Lt 219, 1905, par. 9–11 It means accepting His gifts by faith and practice rather than making changing feelings or emotional ecstasy the measure of abiding religion, without doubting His loving purpose.Ms 61b, 1895, par. 49–50

Buying requires zeal proportionate to value, tearing away from love of world, selling and giving to God's cause, for grasping earthly goods blinds to spiritual state and firm grasp upon this world.SG4 186.2–3+2 Many love this world and earthly treasure better than Jesus and heaven and eternal life and will perish with that treasure, while only a few afflict souls and heed; those with possessions especially need to overcome love of world so love of truth swallows all else, and especially need eyesalve.SG4 186.2–3+2 Earthly treasures are blessings when rightly used as lent by God and cheerfully spent to advance His cause, laying up treasure in heaven, but striving with all energy to get rich sets affections ever reaching for more while professing the last warning is being given, where it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye than to enter the kingdom.1T 141.1–3 The call is to cut loose from loving farms and cattle and such things and lay up treasures in heaven that obtain inheritance in the kingdom.Ms 2, 1857, par. 9

Heavenly treasure is imparted not by dry theories which leave starving for spiritual food, but by presenting the love of Jesus which touches needs, melts hearts, and brings humility, confession of backslidings and dwelling on His merits.Ms 21, 1889, par. 30–33 Those who receive it look to Jesus, believe in Jesus and pattern life after Jesus, and so gain joy, peace, happiness, freedom and His peace, though few possess it though free for all.Ms 21, 1889, par. 30–33 The gold, raiment and eyesalve are imperishable heavenly goods bringing entrance into the kingdom and through pearly gates, as Christ continues to knock at each heart calling to turn from idols, enthrone Him, open the door, and be fed by the Bread of Life and rich gospel feast.1T 166.3+2

The message given through Jones and Waggoner offers these treasures of truth to be received into a good honest heart, making the receiver a living channel of light with clear perception, sanctified imagination, exalted conceptions of truth, joyful heart and clear powerful convincing testimony, reflecting God-given rays since none shines by own light but Jesus illuminates moving among His people.Lt 24, 1892, par. 36–38 Refusing leaves loss of rich powerful experience, missing link after link in providence, snared by prejudice, reports and magnified objections, barring the heart against truth and stumbling over unbelief, with woe on professing believers who do not reflect rays to others.Lt 24, 1892, par. 36–38 The counsel is being fulfilled today calling for striving character while each chooses blessing or curse, with no time for idleness and indifference, for a heavenly Watcher marks words and deportment and reads motives, calling for spiritual understanding cleansed, purified, sanctified and ennobled and mind purified by obeying truth.Ms 21, 1899, par. 34

The gold is faith that works by love, genuine faith and love more precious than earthly gold, refined by trial and growing purer through testing.COL 158.3+4 This alone brings into harmony with God, makes truly rich and completes character in Christ, while activity and much work without the love that dwelt in Christ does not qualify for heaven.COL 158.3+2 Christ as heavenly Merchantman offers it to self-satisfied lukewarm Laodiceans who say they are rich and need nothing while wretched and miserable and blind and naked, to be bought to become truly rich.Lt 30a, 1892, par. 24–29+1 The offer stands open before the churches, and every individual needs a decided interest in it, especially those who think the sharp message does not mean them and that they are in fairly good condition, for they are the very ones to whom it belongs.Lt 30a, 1892, par. 24–29+1

The gold is also true spiritual riches, precious character, heavenly treasure, jewels of truth and riches of grace, salvation, liberty and life, virtue and mutual love.ST Apr 22, 1897+4 There is no other source in heaven for liberty and life except through Jesus Christ our righteousness, and the counsel is for those with great light and knowledge who do not show it in living works.Ms 5, 1889, par. 29–33+1 It points to the love by which Christ endured the trying of the crucifixion and came off conqueror.Ms 5, 1889, par. 29–33 It is to be sought earnestly instead of spending time caviling and gossiping, and when the mind is willing to admit Jesus His image is reflected in the soul and an intensity of love is created.Lt 65, 1896, par. 13+1

The gold also represents truth with faith and love.Ms 143, 1901, par. 5–10 It is faith joined with love as tender care and concern for perishing people, with faith leading to action.12MR 281.2–4+1 The church is largely without this love and must labor to regain it.18MR 284.4–5 Tale-bearing and gossiping fault-finders who are open to Satan and closed to the compassion, pity and love of Christ do not possess it, and without this purchase a church is a curse to the truth it professes and better never raised up.12MR 281.2–4+1 The riches include love refined and purified of selfishness by the Holy Spirit, which burns away selfishness and brings into close sympathy with Christ who gave His life for redemption, a warmth ministers need to ask for and carry into preaching.Ms 19, 1890, par. 23–24+1

The gold is a purified and refined character gained by passing through the furnace of affliction until all dross is burned away from religious experience.Lt 130, 1902, par. 28–32+1 It is a precious valuable experience gained through obstacles and through the way of God's choosing rather than the way one would choose, by which God proves and tries.Lt 130, 1902, par. 28–32+1 Obtaining it keeps from giving Satan encouragement to place things in a false disagreeable light and from reflecting that unpleasantness to others, and enables shining as lights by looking up, talking faith and brightness, rebuking misrepresentation, praying and receiving light with the bright rays of the Sun of righteousness shining into the heart.Lt 252, 1903, par. 7–8 The counsel calls for complete transformation, doing the will of God in all wisdom and spiritual understanding instead of following own impulses, and laboring together with Christ to roll away the curse that made the church lukewarm.Lt 130, 1902, par. 28–32

The gold is the spirituality found in Jesus, which holds the believer and prepares for heaven.Ms 191, 1905, par. 40–42 Buying it means taking hold of heavenly things, seeking a heavenly disposition, resisting worldly fashions, and striving to overcome as soldiers of Christ.Ms 191, 1905, par. 40–42 Those who enter heaven begin that preparation on earth by living out Christlike perfection in humanity.Ms 191, 1905, par. 40–42 It is Christ's character offered by Him, and an experience more valuable than gold to be heeded in all humility by those who see their need.Lt 34, 1891, par. 20+1 Heeding keeps from walking in sparks of one's own or another's kindling, and gives sight of the light of the Sun of Righteousness, walking in its beams with inspiration from God to do His work.Lt 34, 1891, par. 20

The gold is unselfish love joined to living faith, seen in freedom from self-esteem, pride, jealousy, ambition and worldly care, and in meekness, humility and trust.ST Sep 30, 1880 The greater a person's responsibility and the more God's greatness is shown, the more glory should be sought for God rather than self.ST Sep 30, 1880 Greatness in God's kingdom means living with the dependence of a child, longing for the Father's care and willing to be led by Him.ST Sep 30, 1880 It is faith and love gained by personally trusting God in trouble, bringing every difficulty to Him and receiving His help and learning reliance through trials so as to teach others to trust Him.GW92 238.1+2

The gold tried in fire describes the Bible as more precious than purified gold and a foundation of faith, which received through the Spirit draws nearer to Jesus and sanctifies.8T 193.1 It pictures the precious worth of truth whose every link was precious to those who sought it through prayer, tears, trial and opposition, forming together a perfect whole brought out from superstition and error through earnest prayer for light and knowledge.GW92 137.1 It describes workers and those in trust purified and refined through trial and through self-sacrificing consecrated missionary service in the closing work of earth's history, where sacrifice marks every step of advance.STB 806.3+4 It is fine gold of character to be found in men in positions of trust, without which cherished corrupting principles bring disaster and defeat, spiritual blindness, nakedness and despair, as yielding to gilded temptation and then reasoning until what was once seen as opposed to Scripture is viewed favorably produces this blind and naked condition as harvest of evil seed.17MR 223.2–3

The gold is the divine love of God, with white raiment as Christ's pure character and eyesalve as heavenly discernment, needed by strenuous advocates of creature merit to see with astonishment the utter worthlessness of creature merit to earn eternal life.Ms 36, 1890, par. 17–19 Those contending for supremacy misrepresent truth as it is in Jesus and are in a fog of bewilderment.Ms 36, 1890, par. 17–19 Even fervor of labor, intense affection, high noble achievement of intellect, breadth of understanding and humblest self-abasement laid at the Redeemer's feet add not one jot more than the grace and talent first given by God, and all must be laid upon the fire of Christ's righteousness to cleanse earthly odor before rising as fragrant incense accepted as sweet savor.Ms 36, 1890, par. 17–19 Jesus imparts all powers, grace, penitence, inclination and pardon of sins in presenting His righteousness to grasp by living faith which is also God's gift, for Christ became poor that through His poverty the poor might be made rich, and any works man can render are far less than nothingness made acceptable only as laid upon Christ's righteousness, so the idea of doing anything to merit pardon is fallacy from beginning to end.Ms 36, 1890, par. 17–19

The gold Christ offers is the gold of character, not mere knowledge of Scripture or truth.Ms 43, 1909, par. 5–6 The eyesalve is obtained by earnestly seeking the Lord, confessing sin and humbling the heart before Him, calling for inward pure religion rather than outward worship alone.Ms 43, 1909, par. 5–6 The gold tried in the fire is truth in all its principles, precious and not cheap.Lt 35, 1898, par. 11 Cherishing that truth in all its principles develops character, and consecrating all words and actions to God makes believers His witnesses.Lt 35, 1898, par. 11 It is the power of truth and grace of God as it really is, coming directly home to the troubled soul and forcing the question of supreme desire.Ms 83, 1901, par. 14–15

That choice is between desiring salvation or yielding to Satan's deceptive ensnaring power, letting love of gain grow into intensity of desire to secure earthly treasure or estimating truth and grace at true worth, fearing to displease God or allowing worldly friends to divert the mind from heaven, choosing good or evil to guide thoughts and feelings and mold character.Ms 83, 1901, par. 14–15 The gold tried in the fire is something of great worth, and pure holy motives that come from God are more valuable still.Lt 42, 1893, par. 5–9

The white raiment is the righteousness of Christ, not personal merit or self-righteousness, a pure spotless character of heavenly texture without human invention, a life washed in the blood of the Lamb to cover nakedness so it brings no disgrace in the day of God.Lt 30a, 1892, par. 24–29+4 It is the riches of His love and grace and salvation set against worthless garments of self-righteousness in which self-satisfied, lukewarm people feel whole and rich and needing nothing while living in guilty self-deception as wretched, miserable, blind and naked.Lt 30a, 1892, par. 24–29+2 The gold tried in the fire with it is love and faith, genuine faith and love refined through trial that makes truly rich and completes character, and the eyesalve with it gives spiritual sight to discern defects of character and distinguish true righteousness from self-righteousness.Lt 30a, 1892, par. 24–29+2 The offer stands open before the churches and must be bought from Christ alone, for there is no other source in heaven for liberty and life except through Jesus Christ our righteousness, and every individual needs a decided interest in it, especially those who think the sharp message does not mean them.Lt 30a, 1892, par. 24–29+2

It is the robe Christ Himself provides and puts upon every repenting believing soul, covering shame so as to fit for God's presence and pass the King's scrutiny.COL 311.3–4+4 It is obtained by repentance toward God and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ, and only those who have put on this robe are received when character is revealed by what is done, for righteousness is right doing and works show whether faith is genuine.Lt 106, 1896, par. 4–6+2 It is not made by human effort, for defiled human righteousness cannot cover; it is Christ's perfect character formed through obedience to God's law, imparted so heart, will, mind and thoughts join His life within and God sees His obedience rather than sin.COL 311.3–4+1

Christ's righteousness does not cover continued unrighteousness or pollution, for sin is transgression of law and must be taken away through His crucified and risen merits, requiring turning from sin and loyal obedience shown by deeds and purity of heart and motive rather than human traditions and maxims or breaking the law and teaching others to break it.Ms 143, 1901, par. 5–10+3 The garments represent lives Christ can wash clean through His blood, and receiving the raiment is securing it individually from Christ.Ms 190, 1905, par. 17+1 What is worn instead is so-called righteousness, a pretentious covering over defilement and rottenness of character, which the great Instructor strips off to lay bare spotted garments and unbearable corruption, leaving weakness and lack of strength where true tested character and true righteousness are missing.Ms 32, 1903, par. 10

The nakedness recalls Adam and Eve stripped after sin of light and innocence and afraid to meet God after yielding to temptation and obeying Satan, showing need for God's covering obtained by repentance and faith.Lt 106, 1896, par. 4–6+2 The provision comforts God's children in want of food and clothing that lack does not separate from Christ's love, for fleeing to Jesus brings full satisfaction, and Christ supplies imputed and imparted righteousness leaving no room for self and selfishness.Lt 25, 1892, par. 4–10+1 The white raiment is the only garment to keep from shameful nakedness amid end-time deceptions gathering the world to battle, and mere appearance, ornaments, profession, outwardly respectable works or form of godliness cannot replace it at the final test over true godliness and the false sabbath, when those not clothed with Christ's righteousness will be exposed.Ms 21, 1889, par. 61–64+4 Genuine faith and a life purified from sin, with gold separated from dross, stand in contrast with pretended righteousness that conceals corruption, calling people to recognize need, repent, and receive truth as it is in Jesus.8T 249.2–250.2+1

Christ's gifts are needed to remedy blindness and poverty, as Bro. M needs eyesalve, raiment and gold so he can discern his condition, receive grace, and develop a well-rounded character fit for God's kingdom.3T 535.1–536.1 The white raiment is true righteousness pleasing to God versus imagined self-clothing exposed as at the marriage supper, where to come in self-provided clothing is to come in the dress of a civilian while boasting offensive to God, seeking glory from men rather than God, acting without the leading of the Spirit, and threatening legal action leaves the shame of nakedness uncovered.11MR 317.3–318.2 It is character clothed in righteousness opposed to joining worldly entertainments that draw people away from Christ's call and leave them confused about Christian conduct.STB 845.3 The raiment is robes of character washed white in the blood of the Lamb, and the eyesalve is spiritual discernment applied to the eyes so as not to be blind to wickedness, not to call sin righteousness and righteousness sin, but to be wide-awake to the righteousness that must be had to belong to Christ, to know Satan's devices and how to defend against him, because Satan is blinding the eye and shutting the sight and that blindness must be removed.Ms 2, 1885, par. 24–26

The verse appeals to receive raiment and gold from Jesus to turn from deception and resist the enemy and so be clothed and spiritually rich.9MR 354.2–356.1 The counsel is for present and eternal good to those whose blind eyes need to be opened and who need to be undeceived even after resisting warning, resenting admonition, unsettling the faith of others, speaking evil and accusing brethren, meaning to buy from Jesus Christ Himself white raiment and gold tried in the fire that makes rich.Lt 4, 1897, par. 7–8 Proud self-sufficient people who will not confess sin are naked, ashamed and condemned as seen in the heavenly courts, covered only by garments of self-righteousness over a life of untruth and underhand dealing for advantage, with hardly a glimmer of light from God's throne, having forgotten what justice and righteousness mean and not knowing what it means to be filled with spiritual life, so that in the time of test their refuge of lies will not shield any discrepancy or falsehood from Him who sees all.17MR 312.2–3 To be clothed with white raiment is to feel feeble in moral power, lacking the grace of Christ, and to claim pardon and put on the robe of Christ's righteousness with humiliation and sorrow, breaking the yoke of habit, ceasing to do evil and practicing integrity in everyday life, while to see is to take a candid view of self in the divine mirror and see the eternal contrast between the genuine and the false, truth and falsehood.17MR 312.2–3

Laodicean poverty and nakedness are exposed under weighing of character in the heavenly sanctuary where every soul is measured and recorded, and to stand scrutiny the soul must be humbled by seeing its own poverty and nakedness and must hunger for Christ as bread of life and water of life.Ms 82, 1896, par. 1–2 Then Christ is made unto the soul wisdom, sanctification and redemption, with His righteousness in and upon the believer, so that God looks not on the sinner but on Christ and on the face of His Anointed.Ms 82, 1896, par. 1–2 Many self-satisfied are clothed with filthy rags of self-righteousness instead of white raiment and lift up self unto vanity, and the eyesalve as heavenly anointing must be sought most diligently, for without it people will not and cannot see Jesus nor see their own poverty, their spiritual defects stay hid, and they have a name to live but give no evidence that life proceeds from God.Ms 64, 1895, par. 4 Those who receive it live the true spiritual life reflecting Christ, with His meekness and lowliness apparent in daily life and His gentleness revealed, constantly speaking His love and telling the power of His grace, and in beholding Christ they are continually changed until conversation is made fragrant with His grace.Ms 64, 1895, par. 4 Being clothed with Christ's righteousness is a reminder to pray to receive that righteousness.3MR 173.2

The eyesalve gives spiritual sight to see the true poor, blind and naked condition, with its defects of character, lack of grace, and need of Christ's righteousness and truth, distinguishing true righteousness from self-righteousness, while selfishness and covetousness cloud the eyes.Lt 30a, 1892, par. 24–29+4 It exposes the contrast between claiming to be rich and increased with goods and needing nothing and being spiritually wretched and miserable, and it belongs especially to those who think the sharp message does not mean them and that they are in fairly good condition.Lt 30a, 1892, par. 24–29+1 The eyesalve is the Word of God applied through the Holy Spirit to awaken the sensitive conscience and inner light of the mind, convicting of sin so that reproof may smart yet heal, showing self as God sees, revealing imperfection and spiritual poverty, and leading to repentance, belief in Christ, and spiritual health.Ms 66, 1897, par. 8–12 It is the heavenly anointing that takes away blindness so as to see everything distinctly, received only through humiliation of self and humbling the heart before God, without which blessing is lost and perplexity remains and the march toward fullness falters between Canaan and Egypt instead of going steadily forward into completeness of character.Ms 56, 1904, par. 23–26

The anointing is Christ's grace giving cleansed and sanctified discernment with the eye made single to the glory of God, so things are no longer seen in a perverted light and a living, healthy, all-round experience and vital union with Him are obtained.Lt 105, 1893, par. 14–15+2 It enables seeing sinful propensities and realizing need of mercy and grace, distinguishing the work of God's Spirit from the enemy's spirit, perceiving spiritual truth, recognizing truth, breaking with the enemy, and standing clearly with Christ against him.Lt 106, 1896, par. 4–6+3 It is wisdom and grace giving clearness to the understanding to see self as God sees, to discern between good and evil and between sin and holiness, to detect sin under any guise and hate it, to recognize Satan's deceptions and traps and shun them, and to see and obey truth, obtained only through connection with Christ by living faith and prayer.4T 88.2+4 God has given His church eyes which He requires to be anointed with that wisdom that they may see clearly, though many would put out the eyes of the church because they do not want deeds brought to light lest they be reproved.4T 88.2+1

Heavenly eyesalve gives anointed eyes with sensitive consciences and spiritual eyesight able to detect the deceptive guise of Satan and see the awfulness of sin.MWISDAP 3.3+3 Without it men are blinded by Satan's sophistry, unconverted with unchanged hearts, loving sin while calling it righteousness and counting what is hateful to God a wonderful advantage, clothing sin with false beautiful garments of sanctification and purity, mistaking sin for righteousness and black for white, leaving religious faith worm-eaten at the core with death beneath a fair outward appearance.MWISDAP 3.3+4 Resisting truth brought by God's messengers brings darkness, for Christ is the truth and refusing truth refuses Christ, and the heart softened by grace and sanctified by the Spirit alone discerns the spiritual character of the kingdom entered by faith as little children.Lt 84, 1895, par. 10–11 The golden eyesalve is gained by study, meditation and prayer, cutting through Satan's hellish shadow to discern heaven opened, the inner courts of the celestial temple, the themes of song and thanksgiving of the heavenly choir, and the glories beyond.20MR 216.2–4+2 With it faith sees Christ as Advocate offering the incense of His own merits for sinners, and seeing Him as He is fills the heart with sense of the immensity and diversity of God's love, quickens insensible hearts, shines light into the soul, removes short vision, gives discernment of wonderful things out of the Word, and replaces murmurings over small disappointments with praise and thanksgiving.20MR 216.2–4+3

Anointing lifts to a higher standpoint to become spiritually minded, clearly discerning spiritual things and Satan's devices, discerning the mind and will of God, and shedding light instead of casting shadow, holding up a high and exalted Christian standard which professed followers lower to the dust when they lack this sight and live for self-interest without integrity.4T 37.2 It gives clear vision to discern Satan's wonderful and specious devices in warfare, in contrast to human wisdom which perverts vision and is foolishness in God's sight and blinds the eyes of the understanding.Ms 44, 1890, par. 26–27+2 Without it those who feel self-sufficient and in no danger and neglect constant prayer and watchfulness are ensnared while professing to work for God and flattering themselves they are on Christ's side.Ms 44, 1890, par. 26–27+2 God's sentinels and workers must through earnest prayer and living faith lay hold of the divine nature and obtain the eyesalve, or they will be found professedly working for God but in reality serving the prince of darkness and misleading others by word and example.Ms 44, 1890, par. 26–27+4

Anointing gives clear spiritual eyesight to see all things clearly and discern between good plants and evil plants, the wheat and the tares, when Satan comes as an angel of light to sow tares among wheat in perilous times.Lt 208, 1900, par. 6 It is needed to see and understand opportunities God providentially opens for missionary work nearby and afar, recognizing as neighbor every wounded person needing sympathy and help without territorial, social or other artificial distinctions.9T 130.2+3 Receiving it enables united, well-directed effort with God resulting in salvation of many souls, while lacking it leaves eyes unanointed so work is delayed, opportunities pass, and much that should be accomplished is lost.Lt 318, 1908, par. 12–13+1 Anointed eyes enable understanding the warning and preparing for the coming conflict through vital connection with Christ rather than following own will or inclination, discerning indications of the divine will and following God's chosen path as the only path of safety sought daily in prayer with childlike submission letting God control the ways.15MR 82.2+1

The anointing opens eyes to see true condition and peril in the moral looking-glass, leading to broken heart before God, entire reformation, genuine faith receiving Christ as Saviour, sound conversion by divine power of the new birth, without which neither words nor actions can be depended on and judgments will surely come.9MR 273.2–3+3 It gives sight to discern the true condition of the work and know what must be done, as needed by watchmen, presidents, ministers and leaders who otherwise are as blind men not discerning the enemy working surprisingly in their midst, giving soothing powders instead of arousing the people and leaving leaders and people asleep before the day of wrath.Lt 6, 1883, par. 34–35+1 With anointed eyes they would see danger, be aroused and alarmed, and make the people ready for the day of the Lord, instead of making self a detective and controlling power discerning a mote in a brother's eye while failing to see the beam in one's own.Lt 6, 1883, par. 34–35+1 The counsel means sight to recognize when human imperfections have corrupted organizational administration and to follow Jesus individually rather than place implicit confidence in organizations led by those who do not know the true Shepherd's voice.Lt 214, 1897, par. 19

When the eyes of the understanding are anointed, people no longer judge by the world's standards but see Christ's self-sacrificing life and character, including His refusal to live for Himself and His bearing of the world's guilt.Lt 135, 1897, par. 9 Workmen must have eyes anointed to see light and truth in its importance and sanctifying character so God's work is done according to His purpose instead of being counterworked.17MR 222.4–223.1+1 Christ anoints those who draw apart from worldly customs, seek Him with the whole heart, and stand humbly in lot and place looking to Him as Saviour, Guide and Counselor, instructing the ignorant and opening ways before them not only in lowly places but in highways and raising up agents to carry out principles of truth.13MR 386.1–3+2 Spiritual eyesalve comes from Christ the heavenly Merchantman, and buying and applying it gives spiritual sight and spiritual light of greater value than gold, silver or precious stones.Lt 49, 1894, par. 13–14+2

The anointing makes a person see himself as he really is, exposing garments of pretentious light as terrible deception and bringing conversion and repentance not to be repented of.Lt 24, 1897, par. 12 Heavenly eyesalve shows moral and spiritual pollution and poverty as poor and wretched and miserable and blind and naked, leading without delay to the fountain opened for cleansing with Christ's blood applied to the sin-sick soul so lives are made pure and holy with advantages prepared for all who love and keep His commandments.Lt 259, 1903, par. 25–26 The eye anointing is needed by those blinded by long resistance to the Holy Spirit and by selfishness clouding senses and leavening experience with wrong principles, so they can recognize the Spirit's voice, distinguish it from the enemy's deception, be convinced of sin, and see guilt in departing from God's Word and depriving others of rights on the brink of ruin.STMW10 26.2+1 Even after years of blindness, rejected light and insulted Spirit, the eyes can still be anointed to see, awake from paralysis, and feel lost time, though continued rejection can leave inability to see.STMW10 26.2+1

Heavenly eyesalve enables seeing all things clearly, as sought in prayer for those in great danger moving blindly headstrong and refusing truth, and God Himself applies it in answer to earnest steadfast prayer that holds the person fast, so he knows truth from a wrong version of things and is restored to God-given work.STB 91.2+3 Each person is counseled individually to buy eyesalve from Christ and apply it to see defects of character and realize how love of the world and unsanctified ambition for praise crowd out love of God, opening the way to return through wide-open gates of life, come out separate, and follow Jesus.Lt 35, 1891, par. 53–54+1 The eyesalve reveals neglected duties and unfulfilled responsibilities as never before — wasted hours, misused talents, neglected opportunities, duties undone, sickly churches unfed — bringing conscience conviction not for despair but to arouse watchfulness, strengthen what remains ready to die, and use entrusted talents faithfully.ASCOP 20.2–21.1+1 Keeping God's glory ever in view brings the anointing to look deeper and see afar off what the world is — its dishonesty, craftiness, selfish eye-service, pretense, boasting, want of fair honest dealing, and grasping covetousness — so soldiers girded with God's strength stand by precept and example with sound principles, firm integrity, hatred of dissembling, and holy boldness.RH Oct 7, 1909+2

The eye salve enables recognizing and appreciating a noble holy life.STB 237.1–2 Its discernment makes members recognize duty and the needs and dangers of children and youth and go out with tender practical care, discerning the needs of the time and the work God requires.RH Jun 9, 1903+4 Applied to the eyes of understanding it lets youth seeking oneness with Christ distinguish truth from error, keep moral independence by strict fidelity against influences turning the soul from righteous principles, discern baseless assertions of stronger minds, search the Word, and stand where there is Thus saith the Lord.Ms 121, 1898, par. 18–19 It gives sanctified discernment to overseers and men with oversight, freeing hearts from selfishness to see clearly and consider all parts of the vineyard impartially so the weakest needy parts are strengthened by cooperation of divine with human agencies.Ms 51, 1903, par. 6

Anointing gives sight to understand the Word and receive truth, with the Spirit showing lessons in Christ's life missed by uncleansed hearts, so the anointed eat, digest and practice the Word and recognize a pure high standard putting to shame low cheap sin-shaped ideas of surface readers, for doers alone are justified.Lt 34, 1896, par. 10+3 It turns attention from self and distractions to Christ the Redeemer, and God may use painful experiences to weaken self-esteem and self-reliance lest unsanctified faults be mistaken for virtues ending in ruin by self-exaltation.Ms 94, 1897, par. 40–41+1 Christ yearns to anoint blinded eyes to see sin's offensive character and fatal consequences, knowing its origin and history having seen it originate.Ms 56, 1902, par. 3 Heavenly sight is needed to recognize where stumbling occurred and understand visitation and true condition, requiring humbling before the Lord rather than harmful ways and rejection of warnings, lest the day of God come unexpectedly unprepared.Lt 151a, 1897, par. 9+2

Clear vision is the only safety for those in charge of the work in Southern California, since without it spiritual eyesight is blinded and darkened and men follow human wisdom making uninspired plans and moving contrary to given light.Lt 182, 1902, par. 1–7 Anointing means conversion and cleansing of the soul temple so managers and representative men understand present work, see clearly, know themselves, and are alarmed at true condition.Ms 59, 1900, par. 12 Eyes of understanding need heavenly salve to see heavenly things and catch glimpses of the Holy One as Moses did, brought by making God entire dependence, taking time to pray before the day's work, inviting the heavenly Guest to possess and control, crying in sincerity and soul-hunger, wrestling till victory, and putting soul, body and spirit into His hands as living agency moved by His will and infused by His Spirit.10MR 233.2–3+2 Anointing enables righteous perception needed to serve faithfully and do justice and judgment.Lt 330, 1907, par. 6

Anointed eyes judge work rightly, seeing when a move is premature and means and skill are lacking, so leaders count cost, seek wise united counsel, reason cause to effect, wait for the Lord to prepare the way, and do not invest in large buildings they cannot carry, as in the bakery building in Los Angeles.Lt 182, 1902, par. 8+1 In need no power comes from looking to self; anointed eyes discern spiritual poverty and lack of faith, and with clear unclouded eye behold the light of God's glory in Christ's face and trust His guiding hand in adversity, sickness, disappointment and trial as in prosperity, remembering His power and love in giving His Son.ST Sep 10, 1896+3 Anointed eyes know Satan is always on the oppressor's side, know Sunday is a spurious sabbath with not one syllable for its sanctity set against Christ's perfection, and know God's government above human law forbidding preaching in Jesus' name, hiding under promise and refuge in Christ established in truth with glory as rereward to ride high places and feed on Jacob's heritage.5MR 47.1–2 Anointed sight recognizes and upholds the trampled Sabbath, turning from own ways to honor God's holy day, delight in the Lord, and shelter in Christ.Ms 11b, 1894, par. 29

Blindness must be healed to discern the true standard of honor and righteousness and distinguish right from wrong especially in business, since profession without moral sight and principled life is worthless.Lt 7, 1890, par. 6–7 The eyesalve is heavenly salve applied by God Himself to give clear sight to the spiritually blind.Lt 174, 1902, par. 19–22+2 It opens eyes to the sacred trust and work given each person according to ability and the depth and vastness of God's work, learning from Christ's life a higher piety, recognizing unlikeness to Him, gaining new light through training, and planning wisely for missionary service.21MR 461.3–5+1 It heals blindness caused by sin and self-indulgence and by neglected home religion, broken family altars, left first love, speculation expelling Christ, and Bible neglect, without which the carnal mind finds nothing in reproof, lays aside counsel condemning indulgence, and cannot know the design of testimonies, whereas applied all things are discerned.Lt 29, 1882, par. 8+1

Without true discernment people mistake a speaker's cleverness and emotional stirring for the Spirit, failing to judge character and conduct and mistaking sin for righteousness.EDFCP 20.3+1 Anointed eyes see association with those having no love for truth in new light, breaking unholy confederacy with worldlings through which Satan controls imaginings and weakens perception, ending disclosure of plans to the worldly element, curing pride that despises brethren's discernment, and leading to wisdom from God, counsel with brethren, and firm yoking with men God is using.Lt 47, 1891, par. 25–26 Keen discernment and clear sight are needed to comprehend and proclaim great solemn truths with spiritual power, elevating, ennobling and advancing God's work by firmly speaking Thus saith the Scriptures, living Christ's teachings with Jesus the Pattern before the mind, judging rightly, and not being misled by missions cheapening the work.Lt 106, 1902, par. 8–14+2 Anointed eyes grasp the magnitude of the work, raise piety, and make true missionaries ready to sacrifice to plant truth in cities and thoroughfares instead of neglecting duty through narrowness, faithlessness, cowardice, slothfulness and covetousness.5T 370.1

The eyesalve gives discernment to test messages before presenting so false claims do not unsettle faith into deception and fanaticism, perceiving truth clearly, without which understanding is defective, vulnerable to Satan, and rejecting light.Lt 66, 1894, par. 6–7+1 With eyesalve people put on spiritual eyeglasses to see clearly the true pillars, reasons, past experiences, old landmarks and evidences of faith once delivered, holding that God's foundation stands sure and not trusting theories uprooting experience, following false spirit and wrong captain, and departing from faith undiscerned.Lt 283, 1903, par. 4–5+1 With it those deceived by atheistic spiritualistic sentiments and fanciful theories about God will see the foundation stands sure and the Lord knows His own despite all men can do, instead of making the plain Word of no account and finally counting the Bible fiction and loosening the platform of eternal truth.Ms 117a, 1903, par. 10–11+1 Anointing gives ability through prayer and Scripture search to see grace and sin's true character and offensiveness, call wrongs by right names, remove sin from the church, and wash character in the Lamb's blood.RH Jun 26, 1900+1

Blindness requires salve to see peril, recognize departure from faith, deceptive teachings, working against truth, the enemy's wiles, and wrong paths in order to escape.Lt 152, 1907, par. 9–10+2 Blindness keeps members from discerning schemes including dishonest speculation robbing widows and orphans, and cupidity, selfishness and oppression robbing God's servants when men propose measures from unholy impulses not planning with God, which holy angels give sight to see when principle is held with integrity in love and fear of God under trial.17MR 186.1–187.1+2 Those trusting own strength and feeling mighty and wise need anointing to see error and dependence, for sight comes from the Lord alone who corrects blindness and brings human plans to nothing; without it critics and planners lay plans without the Mighty in Counsel, with strife and un-Christlike spirit where the Lord does not preside.LSEGW 328.1–2+4 The divine anointing puts God's Spirit and divine nature where men connect through Christ the Mighty in Counsel, giving renovating energy to expel Satan and discern whether counselor is Satan or Christ, without which believers receive Satan's imaginings, betray trusts, and join confederacy against heaven not knowing what spirit they are of, and with it stand as faithful sentinels praying and pleading Christ's merits ready for His soon coming.Ms 44, 1890, par. 32

Without the Spirit's anointing perception is so blinded there is no real sense of justice, mercy, equity and truth, failing to see selfishness and robbery and to make full restitution of principal and interest, while with it even the overbearing accumulator discerns errors, confesses, forsakes sin, and is thoroughly converted, laying the axe at the root, lest continuing grind down those angels minister to and fail of heaven.Lt 210, 1900, par. 4–6+1 Anointed eyes see self as God sees instead of self-complacent excellency, seeing past and present truly, abhorring self with bitter self-upbraiding, learning what spirit prompts action, and knowing God alone changes the perverted heart and prepares for heaven.Lt 12, 1890, par. 15–18+1 Prayer for eyesalve asks discernment to recognize how self-importance and spiritual pride mixed with apparent devotion damage the work, and its insight applies to seeing clearly even the duty to repay honest debt.Ms 43, 1898, par. 7–9+1 Without anointing Satan puts magnifying glasses before eyes so words and acts especially toward a wife in the home are misinterpreted in false light, requiring radical change of thoughts and heart, heeding the Spirit, self-control, and balanced mind comparing spiritual with spiritual.Lt 109, 1893, par. 44–47

Pastors, teachers and those in responsibility must obtain eyesalve from Christ to be wide-awake watchmen not blind, enlightened to know Him and hope of His calling, able to examine foundation timbers and important transactions, give meat in due season, know how to deal with brethren, and be converted as little children seeking with all the heart.7T 154.2+4 Christ's eyesalve gives sight to those judging what is fit to publish, who judge rightly only when close to Christ and in touch with Him to know what will be profitable.Lt 49, 1894, par. 10–11+1 Heavenly ointment gives sanctified eyesight to view matters sensibly without partiality, seeing destitute foreign fields afar as well as home needs, recognizing money is needed where truth is unworked rather than centralizing buildings where facilities abound, sharing means with needy vineyard portions, lest unwise management, debt and neglect follow.RH Sep 9, 1909+3 The eyesalve offered is the testimonies given, and anointing means studying and holding to them, making one spiritual-minded to see truth.Ms 93, 1907

The anointing cures blindness showing weakness such as adulating finite man as god with un-Christlike influence, and unless deeply converted by thorough work standing in light, last-day delusions will captivate into darkness to stumble unknowingly.Lt 8, 1892, par. 5 Christ offers His own anointing to the self-confident who count themselves rich yet lack wisdom to see and practice truth and walk in self-kindled sparks seeing as through mist, giving divine knowledge of Christ within as wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption; refusers hindering His work are deceived by Satan to be pitied and prayed for, but if unconverted not left to guide the flock.Ms 110, 1903, par. 4–7 Buying white raiment means obtaining the essential experience of Christ's righteousness, the spotless robe for the marriage feast, and buying eyesalve means anointed eyes clearly discerning all things and the Spirit's working to give certain warning and prepare for conflict, requiring ceasing to lean on others, laying aside stubborn self-will and pride, and vital humble connection with Christ as Leader lest one stand with foolish virgins without oil or the guest without wedding garment.Lt 24, 1892, par. 5–7 Prayer is counseled for renewed heart and anointed eyes to discern true faith whether one has faith working by love purifying the soul and reaches God's standard, with white raiment as wedding garment to stand on vantage ground and sit at the feast.Lt 65, 1903, par. 8–9

The divine anointing is linked to the Holy Spirit making Christ's complete help available to earnest seekers, giving sight to warn the world and see the path to eternal life.Lt 15, 1894, par. 29–30+1 Heavenly eyesalve is clear perception to recognize God's principles when human wisdom and worldly practices oppose them, while clouded perceptions reject reproof and God's ways.8MR 157.3–158.2 The counsel means seeking sight to discern great truths and holy possibilities, including advancing toward holiness and living out Christ's prayer.Ms 38, 1899, par. 3–4 The True Witness inspects every home and family, requiring truth in life, speech and purity of heart, use of abilities in His service, and shining light, otherwise believers draw people from truth.Ms 41, 1909, par. 13–15 The anointing is the Holy Spirit upon blind eyes to see Christ's value of souls, changing harsh judging bruising spirit in thoughts, feelings, words and acts into pity, compassion and tender love that comforts, uplifts, restores and draws to Christ instead of wounding to perish.Ms 38, 1895, par. 24–25

The eyesalve is heavenly insight by which the responsible would have recognized dishonoring exhibitions as contrary to God's will.CT 349.1+2 It is sight families needed who had form of godliness but lacked Christlikeness and shaping into His image, needing personal experience of indwelling Christ's power lest they falsely claim to be led by God and misrepresent Him.Ms 78, 1912, par. 6 Anointing is God giving sight through agents raised to carry out His will and through sanitariums and schools as educational centers training workers to prepare a people to stand in the end, instructing the ignorant in darkness worth more than gold.Ms 140, 1901, par. 39–42+3 Anointed sight keeps Jesus the Pattern ever before, showing what one is and ought to be and revealing power in Christ sufficient to reach Christian perfection in lovingkindness, judgment, righteousness and Christlike love.Ms 8a, 1888, par. 13–15 Safety is in heeding warnings and shunning dangers with anointed eyes seeing obedience as test of true religion, requiring critical self-examination, no worldliness, pleading Christ's righteousness, exalted views of Christ, humble views of self, and entire dependence on Christ as the Lord our Righteousness to do God's will, set right example, and help others savingly.Lt 52, 1900, par. 19–20

The Lord anoints eyes with grace of spiritual discernment, and the eyesalve is unfailing heavenly wisdom and counsel with Jesus presiding and the Holy Spirit given, needed in councils not to repeat past mistakes or tear down but build up, received by earnest pressing prayer in faith for heaven's full blessings.Lt 131, 1893, par. 5–6 Anointed eyes are needed now to see clearly not distortedly, look to God not men, trust God to manage doctrinal differences, and know whether one is a Christian with true open frank spirit rather than prejudice, irritation and betrayal.Lt 7, 1888, par. 6–7 The image pleads for a father blind to failing sacred responsibility by indulgence and outward affection when not requiring children to obey and respect authority.Lt 52, 1886, par. 14–15 Anointing gives sight to recognize deception and see what is truly happening, discerning when Satan works through professed believers.Ms 195, 1903, par. 35–41 Anointing the eye of the soul gives clear sight to be sought while the Lord may be found, giving healthful discernment of good and evil and truth from error and fanaticism, without which sight impairs into fanaticism, illusion and perverted inspiration not of God as a drunkard intoxicated, fancying nonexistent things.Ms 41, 1900, par. 34

Spiritual eyesight must be anointed to see clearly and avoid peril, belonging with converting grace, falling broken on the Rock, self dying and Christ enthroned, which Jesus loves to work for the seeking blind gathering them in strong arms.Lt 18, 1888, par. 12–13 The Lord must open blind eyes to see true condition, and prayer for anointing applies to parents, friends and guardians failing to see that funding selfish desires blocks Christian growth and heavenward course.6MR 128.1–2 Those bearing responsibilities need the Spirit's anointing as eyesalve to quicken perceptions and clear vision to discern sacred eternal realities, correcting distorted judgment making an atom a world and a world an atom.Ms 40a, 1890, par. 44 The call means parents need sight to recognize children's ways offend God and understand own responsibility.Lt 61, 1890, par. 12–15+1 Spiritual eyesalve is clear discernment to see sinful indulgence of appetite when eating and drinking occupy thoughts neglecting eternal interests, abusing body, destroying health, unbalancing mind, strengthening propensities, searing conscience while excusing no moral wrong, obtainable only by partaking of divine nature.Lt 74, 1896, par. 53–54

Everyone connected with publishing work needs eyes anointed to see clearly, gained for difficulties in new fields by drawing nigh to God who will draw nigh as Father without variableness.Lt 122, 1902, par. 26 The eyesalve is clear sight to discern rightly, applied as prayer for clear judgment especially in council decisions.Ms 60, 1894, par. 20 Heavenly eyesalve anoints eyes to see all in light of God's Word, without which mind shows deceiving crookedness and will is enslaved to unjustifiable courses, dangerous in selfish schemes, open to enemy control and merging into others' will.Lt 22, 1896, par. 11–13 Heavenly eyesalve lets one see own danger and true condition, without which he is blind to selfishness, standing alone for own ends, seeking defects in others for recognition, watching brethren, lacking brotherly love and unity, spoiling record and stumbling the work.Lt 65, 1900, par. 10–15 Neglect to walk in light and obey blinds perception so darkness becomes light, but those obeying duty, distinguishing God's voice, and following Jesus will have eyes opened to see course as it is and walk safely in darkest path with the Light of the world, sharing His self-denial and triumph to be made perfect with ample blessings waiting to be asked.Lt 206, 1906, par. 15–19

The appeal means accepting God's light and seeing His principles and motives rather than resisting, turning from self to Jesus and practicing truth.Lt 74, 1894, par. 7–8 Heavenly anointing is needed because cares of business and neglect of the Bible blind spiritual eyes, so the heart needs anointing.21MR 455.3–456.1 Clear sight is needed to recognize and secure advantages God desires His people to have.Ms 166, 1902, par. 5 Divine anointing gives sight to distinguish truth's light from error's darkness, which the selfish, egotistical, proud and opinionated miss seeing only what they wish, losing experience more precious than silver and gold, as resisting one ray from pride makes the next refusal easier until rejection becomes habit and strong wills hardly admit error.Ms 21, 1891, par. 22–24 Anointing shows sight needed to recognize own wrongdoing leading to regret when men see where they went wrong.Ms 2, 1897, par. 9–12 Heavenly eyesalve gives true sight of course exposing spirit and actions God cannot approve and revealing phases of work supposed to advance God as opposed to the gospel like enemies of the cross.Lt 106, 1900, par. 4–5

Blind eyes need the Lord's anointing to see that fostering pleasure, games and selfish indulgence blocks youth from the narrow heavenward path and unfits for self-denial, crossbearing, soldierly hardness and usefulness.Lt 47, 1893, par. 16–19 Anointing gives sight to see selfishness in life and work, without which nominal Christians blindly weave unsightly selfish threads asserting correctness, and by harsh scathing treatment sting souls to death and drive them from Christ.14MR 350.5–351.1 Heavenly anointing heals blindness so restored sight recognizes own need and work to correct harm caused by leading others into unbelief.Lt 104, 1911, par. 1–5

The counsel stands joined to rebuke and chastening from love, to the call to be zealous and repent, to hearing His voice and opening the door, to His standing at the door to come in and sup with whoever opens, and to the promise that the overcomer will sit with Him in His throne as He overcame.Ms 21, 1899, par. 32–33+4 It is addressed to those who are neither cold nor hot and who say they are rich and increased with goods and need nothing while in truth they are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, directing them to obtain from Him true riches and covering and sight.Ms 21, 1899, par. 32–33+4 It does not call the church Babylon nor ask God's people to come out, but offers the richest blessings to each one who opens to Him.Lt 16, 1893, par. 13–14+1 If the lukewarm condition continues they will be spewed from His mouth and renounced, but the counsel is given now as the time to work, to see danger and make earnest work for repentance with zeal and fellowship with Him.Lt 176, 1903, par. 21–23+1

His rebuke in love calls for humbling the heart in sincere devotion, which brings victories, and for putting away altogether the self-centered, boastful, accusing and faultfinding spirit.Ms 24, 1905, par. 6–7+1 Those who have had the truth and know God's requirements but are in danger must stop walking in the counsel of their own hearts and finding fault with message and messenger, and must hear and understand and heed what the Spirit says to the churches while Christ knocks at the door of the heart to save them.Ms 142, 1909, par. 25–27+2 Those in positions of responsibility must repent and humble themselves before God, for unless they do He cannot present their names to His Father.Ms 24, 1905, par. 6–7 The counsel belongs to the appeal to heed Him and change attitude, and Revelation 3:15-19 is His call to repent of lukewarmness and receive spiritual life and power, a coldness that can be overcome through loving, earnest work to save others.Ms 142, 1909, par. 25–27+2

God's reproof is given in love and mercy to restore and heal and finally approve, to wound only to heal, not to reassure that all is right nor to discourage or destroy.3T 257.2+3 It is a serious rebuke, not reassurance that the church has been reproved unfairly, awakening professed people to spiritual destitution and calling them to humility and to refuse Satan control of their powers.Ms 15, 1888, par. 46–48+2 The rebuke of God rests for neglect of solemn responsibilities and blessings are withdrawn because the testimony is not heeded, for reproof heard but not obeyed has little effect when men follow their own way and self is not crucified.5T 719.2 It rebukes pride, ambition, double-dealing and lack of power, requiring fairness toward differing views, no false statements or false light, keeping God's commandments, loving God supremely and neighbor as self, and praying and studying the Bible more.Ms 125, 1901, par. 29–30+1

Christ hungers for the fruits of righteousness and finds only leaves, a mass of pretentious foliage with appearance of fruitfulness but nothing more.Ms 168, 1902, par. 10–11 Those who boast they are rich and need nothing have left their first love and fallen into spiritual blindness, hardness of heart and stubbornness of mind, so their praying and presenting truth is deficient and not acceptable.Ms 168, 1902, par. 10–11 The reproof must be accepted by not remaining as they are but bearing fruit to His glory, because time is passing and the work that ought to be done is not done.Ms 168, 1902, par. 10–11 As the heavenly Merchantman He displays the richest jewels of faith and love and invites the spiritually dead and complacent to buy gold tried in the fire, white raiment for clothing, and eyesalve for sight.Ms 19, 1890, par. 8+4 Buying means giving up lukewarmness for love and zeal, giving up wrong ideas and objectionable traits, practicing long-heard solemn truths, and answering justification by faith and the righteousness of Christ with love and gratitude instead of cold unresponsiveness, for genuine faith works by love and purifies the soul.Ms 151, 1897, par. 3–4+3

The offered grace is oil that keeps the lamp burning and giving light, awakening watchmen from slumber and giving truth firmly planted in the soul so they can stand with the whole armor of God.Ms 19, 1890, par. 8+2 Those who steel their hearts, fold their hands in complacency, and keep mere profession while denying the power of true godliness refuse the offer, and if they continue they will be rejected with abhorrence, so they must awake before it is everlastingly too late.Ms 151, 1897, par. 3–4 Every child of God is watched over and disciplined as a faithful mother watches and disciplines her child, worked and fashioned and molded by the Holy Spirit rather than working the Spirit.Ms 25, 1899, par. 3–4 The discipline means repression, submission, and bending of the will after God's will and way, distasteful as earthly discipline is to a child, yet necessary for all who would act a part in His service, so that no perverse trait, irritation at reproof, pride of temperament, self-esteem, masterly subordinating of all to one's own ideas, crude manners, discourteous unchristlike words, or unsanctified practice remains in workers together with Him.Ms 25, 1899, par. 3–4

Heeding the counsel requires zealously repenting, hearing His voice and opening the door through faith in and love for a personal Saviour, moving from mere profession to practice that represents Christ in spirit, words, and all character, with Christ as chief Cornerstone.Ms 142, 1909, par. 25–27+3 The counsel must affect the church with lasting influence and a complete waking up, but it loses its influence too soon when it is not heeded.Ms 4, 1860, par. 28+2 Christ overcame, and believers must overcome through His merits, for the gold He offers is His character.Ms 159, 1904, par. 54–55 The counsel was given in much mercy amid heavy affliction with dropsy and disease of the heart tending to depress the spirits and destroy faith and courage, with danger of losing breath and fainting, and amid Satan's effort to drive to discouragement and despair and to make death desired rather than life.1T 185.1–2 It is not His will for the work to cease and lie down in the grave to the triumph of enemies and the sadness of His children, and though there will be anguish and fierce buffeting, courage need not fail through the encouragement and help of those around.1T 185.1–2 It is His present call for firm, steadfast Christians to come to the front and buy what they lack — heavenly eyesalve to see and no longer stumble like blind men, and the white robe of His righteousness — which prepares them for the life that measures with the life of God in everlasting happiness and joy and power and glory.Ms 50, 1904, par. 43–44

The counsel does not pronounce the church Babylon or bid God's people to come out of her, but rebukes and chastens those He loves to restore and heal backsliding and fit them as salt of the earth and light of the world with a living message for the last days.Lt 16, 1893, par. 13–14+2 That call to come out comes from no heavenly messenger nor any human agent inspired by the Spirit, and those addressed are God's led-out chosen people made depositaries of His law with sacred trust and eternal truth for the world, called to repent and be corrected within the church lest they be spewed out.1MR 360.3–361.1+2 Wheat and tares remain together until the harvest when angels separate them, so pride, self-sufficiency, stubborn unbelief and refusal to yield do not mean the church will cease to exist nor authorize breaking it into independent atoms.RCOC 6.2

The verse applies especially now to Seventh-day Adventists and commandment-keepers who have received great light in the revelation of Scripture, great privileges and opportunities, yet are lukewarm, fallen from first love and first zeal, satisfied and feeling rich in human endeavor while wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked and weighed in the balances of the sanctuary and found wanting.Lt 35, 1898, par. 16–18+4 If the church becomes lukewarm it stands in no more favor than the fallen churches, and those uniting with the commandment-keeping people with no more vitality and consecration than nominal churches will receive the plagues as do opposers of the law, while only those sanctified through truth will compose the royal family in the mansions prepared for those who love Him and keep His commandments.Lt 35, 1898, par. 16–18 It is the voice of Jesus as Saviour urging zealousness instead of half-heartedness, the last message of mercy and last warning while the third angel is proclaimed, a close clean-cut warning like a sharp two-edged sword to be proclaimed to all churches, and every verse of the chapter is to be studied carefully and applied personally.Lt 35, 1898, par. 16–18+2 Those who have left first love saying they are rich and need nothing must humble hearts in childlike trust to receive graces of the Spirit of truth and righteousness with melting love filling every heart, putting away self-righteousness which is not the wedding garment, with pride, self-reliance, self-importance, boastfulness and dependence on human ability, for failure to follow clear light is fearful danger.Ms 166, 1902, par. 25–28+1

It applies to those knowing present truth with large light and privileges who must meet Christ's mind and be His light penetrating darkness of error as dense as that enveloping the Jewish nation in Christ's day, communicating light to those without it instead of ceasing to witness.Lt 35, 1898, par. 6–8 Ceasing to serve as witnesses while knowing truth brings the Laodicean rebuke like the servant who knew his master's will but did it not, and heeding means shining in good works, trading every talent of light, ability and influence for the Lord not self-pleasing, yoked in perfect obedience with increasing consecration, efficiency and tact as laborers together with God.Lt 35, 1898, par. 6–8 The counsel belongs to churches generally and to Los Angeles, calling for deep grace in the heart, to awake and do the work God has given and give the unconverted evidence of heavenly truth by practicing professed truth.15MR 317.2–3+1

It is directed to professed keepers of all God's commandments who are neither cold nor hot, taking the young to places of amusement and joining singing schools with worldlings who are darkness with evil angels around them, where light is feeble and dim, angels of God do not go, and one is left to own strength.3T 41.2+1 There such profession pleases Satan and makes one more useful in evil service than if no profession were made, and such must buy true riches tried by fire, white clothing to cover shame, and salve for blind eyes, as those He loves whom He rebukes and chastens to be zealous and repent.3T 41.2+1

Those in responsible places in publishing houses who let presses print error and false science, brought objectionable matter injuring souls, spent money for large unneeded presses, dishonored God and refused to humble proud spirits in obedience, are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked while saying rich and needing nothing.Lt 155, 1901, par. 3–7+1 Their sense of sacredness is paralyzed, spiritual pulse feeble, lukewarm and indifferent in practice, not spiritual-minded, failing to guard God's honor, proving blindness unable to distinguish sacred from common with perverted taste and corrupted discernment, on losing ground God cannot bless.Lt 155, 1901, par. 3–7+1 They must examine themselves, pity their souls, see error, be converted in heart, soul, mind and strength, be zealous and repent lest Christ spue them out and judgment come near.Lt 155, 1901, par. 3–7+1 The publishing work must be established away from concentrated hardening and indifference where the Spirit cannot strive with self-satisfied rest in indifference which God abhors, as found among many in Battle Creek.Lt 139, 1903, par. 5–6

The verse warns young physicians and youth neither cold nor hot who say rich and increased with goods needing nothing while wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked, living purposeless lives in religious indifference, cold formality, egotism and pretension without true pure religion, working to uplift self in own strength with words, spirit and actions unlike Christ revealing self in everything.Lt 122, 1901, par. 24–25+2 Much knowledge is worthless without genuine religion, and indifference Christ abhors even more than infidelity as continual stumbling-block working against Him, lest He spue them out and permit emptiness, pride, haughtiness and poverty to be exposed unless self dies.Lt 122, 1901, par. 24–25+2 Those with defective experience whose prayers are tame, lifeless, heartless, destitute of the Spirit must humble hearts, seek earnestly, repent, improve in opening Scriptures and in prayer till burdened prayer rises, and wrestle as Jacob with the angel for perishing souls so the church turns fully, lifeless prayers cease, light goes worldwide and the candlestick is not removed.Lt 40, 1901, par. 2–4 Young people whose works are known must repent lukewarmness and become rich in good works, receiving from Christ spiritual riches, covering and sight.1T 484.1–485.1

It exposes those on whom light shone for years yet practicing envy, evil-surmising and circulation of false reports, faultfinding criticizing disaffected men obstructing the Holy Spirit, sitting in judgment on messengers and working on Satan's side while claiming belief, with excellent qualifications neutralized by self-love, self-deception, self-justification, hardness toward brethren, covetous grasping, exalting self and opinion instead of relieving tried workers.Ms 34, 1902, par. 13–14+2 Talebearing gossiping seekers of spots in others while closed to compassion, pity and love of Christ, neglecting to purify own souls, opening to Satan and glorifying self, lack love which is the gold making rich, lack pure spotless character which is the white raiment, and lack sight to see own defects and lack of grace and Spirit.Ms 1, 1880, par. 28–30+1 Such self-righteousness is nauseating, proves love of Christ not abiding and conversion unperfected because self uncrucified, making them a curse to professed truth unless they despise themselves, change, stop hindering, come under molding influence to save souls, turn from watching others' mistakes to seeing own, put away selfish unkind neglect by encouraging merciful words and deeds, open to Christ knocking, and heed before repentance is sought too late even with tears.Ms 34, 1902, par. 13–14+4 Objectionable faultfinding traits are part of the unsavory condition the gold, raiment and eyesalve must change in every church.Ms 59, 1902, par. 29

Receiving what is offered means broken heart, opened eyes, true knowledge of self and need, clearing rubbish from the heart's door to let Jesus in, praying with strong crying and tears, confessing sins, humbling before God, going to others for forgiveness, casting root of bitterness lest many be defiled, bringing deep mutual confession, restored love and unity, a Pentecostal season of weeping, praise and rejoicing lasting till nearly morning which Lord and heaven wait to grant.Lt 7, 1903, par. 3–11+1 This is what should have taken place among men in trust at Battle Creek and the last General Conference had they humbled and followed God's will and way, and it is spoken especially to professed servants exalting self, blind and ignorant, connected with institutions, thinking righteous with hard unjust spirits without union and love.Lt 7, 1903, par. 3–11+1 It applies to many ministers and churches they served who are lukewarm saying rich needing nothing while wretched, miserable, poor, blind, naked.Ms 36, 1901, par. 1–3

The warning is applied to California where professed believers flatter themselves right with God without principles of truth in heart, in cold formal backslidden lukewarm state, needing great work and diligent persevering earnestness to heed and come into working order.4T 227.2 It applies to many in New York who must seek gold, raiment and eyesalve, be zealous in earnest determined effort to overcome worldly selfish love and live consecrated with tender warmth.Lt 70, 1886, par. 16 It is the True Witness rebuke to Battle Creek and many professing God's commandments whose judgment of enjoying gospel and favor does not match God's, for they are spiritually poor, naked, blind.TBC1872 57.1 Those in Monterey and God's people generally in indifferent careless danger, with warning upon warning only temporary effect sliding back, must arise, make thorough work, correct what displeases God and zealously repent lukewarm backslidings or be spewed out.Ms 4, 1860, par. 1 People in California and through American churches in present Laodicean state must fall on the Rock broken, arouse and act as one, earnest and alive, for horrors in destruction of life meet few remarks, the world unwarned, and the Lord's day comes as thief unawares.Lt 73a, 1896, par. 43

Missionaries especially, with all having great light and opportunities unappreciated, must most earnestly heed now in this day of opportunity, constantly reaching higher and keeping living connection.RH Mar 11, 1902 The gold tried in fire is faith and love, true faith working not by earth-born emotion but by purifying love cleansing the temple from pride and expelling idols, and the white raiment is Christ's righteousness to cover shame, with eyes anointed to see.RH Mar 11, 1902 Without this they become lukewarm mingling self and common earthly practices with sacred truth, ready to be spewed out.RH Mar 11, 1902

The counsel is to those neither cold nor hot whom the True Witness will reject, who say rich needing nothing not knowing themselves wretched, miserable, poor, blind, naked, shut in walls of self-righteousness away from brethren.Lt 9, 1892, par. 58–63 It meets feeling hurt when unappreciated, withdrawing cold as iceberg instead of warmth of affection, setting up as judge claiming to discern secret springs and weigh moral worth with finite scales God never gave.Lt 9, 1892, par. 58–63 Shame of nakedness appears when speech and pen misuse God-given faculties to misappropriate gifts, praise leaders of opposition, bring rebel sentiments instead of keeping silent before heaven, requiring humbling and confession lest God humble.Lt 60, 1898, par. 23–25 It meets the stubborn rebellious dictating sullen uncongenial spirit with self-esteem, disharmony with Christ's Spirit, wrong satanic feelings toward faithful devoted sisters, proving blindness, unworthiness of Christian name, bringing shame and showing Jesus ashamed of such soldier with God displeased.Lt 33, 1879, par. 1–3+1 Remedy is converting power sanctifying life, refining character and giving sense of own defects before any strength to church, else a clog when control denied.Lt 33, 1879, par. 1–3+1

It is to a cold hard church filled with pride of worldly wisdom and ambition to be first, exalting and extolling self, saying rich needing nothing, refusing offered light and knowledge, lacking fragrance of Christ's character which no plans or agreements cure.21MR 151.2–4 Christ finds words and works disgusting, will spue out, will not hear prayers nor commend service, and bids them abandon self-sufficiency to become as babes realizing weakness and dependence to receive His offer, for babes exert far stronger gospel influence.21MR 151.2–4 It is to proud self-loving self-conceited wise-in-own-conceit professed members with names on books yet unconverted, no personal connection, not fallen on Rock, ignorant of childhood to God and heirship, wanting dignified religion wide for own attributes, sneering at simplicity, supposing beyond need to learn, finding cross foolishness unintelligible for lack of experience.RH Oct 16, 1900 While self-love excludes the Saviour from hearts God cannot accept unless wholly His, and while not knowing wretchedness, Christ gives this counsel to buy riches, clothing and sight.RH Oct 16, 1900

It is earnest appeal to be on right side though majority choose wrong as in Noah's day, for world under Satan's training sustains and popularizes sin and transgression yet popularity lessens no principle of God, so youth above all must be on right side.Ms 176, 1897, par. 21–23 It confronts lifeless purposeless preaching as Laodicean richness needing nothing while wretched, miserable, poor, blind, naked, calling backsliding ministers and people with tame pointless message lulling sleep to preach appropriate pointed discourses under sense of awful judgment soon falling, truth as life and death by lips touched with live coal from altar.Lt 211, 1902, par. 28–30+1

It calls for religion in home and educating children to well-balanced characters the Lord can approve, requiring thorough home work while blessing cannot be expected with essential duties neglected, for Lord works with effort but not the work given to do.Ms 19, 1889, par. 1–2 It counsels those thinking half for Christ half for world well enough, that lukewarm neither cold nor hot is great deception making unsuccessful worldlings and unsuccessful followers in danger of spewing, spoiling for both worlds.Ms 157, 1898, par. 15–16 They must become whole-souled inspired by Christ's life-work, obtaining riches, covering and sight, with sincere earnest work, for surface work leaves no life, growth, grace or knowledge, turning blessing to curse to self and others and found wanting in sanctuary balance.Ms 157, 1898, par. 15–16 The message represents claimants to God's service blinded by worldliness and self-exaltation, worldly interests hiding sacredness of present truth, lives lacking holiness, devotion and sanctification through belief.Ms 117, 1902, par. 15–16

All members are on trial before Christ moving among candlesticks who will never be without a church, and those dishonoring His name will have no kingdom place.Lt 3, 1902, par. 22 Faithful true witnesses stand unflinching when test comes, but if some refuse to testify and shine their candle is put out, the faithless exposed, and the faithful take their places and shine, calling all to get guiding light from past experience, remember fall, repent and do first works.Lt 3, 1902, par. 22 It calls self-sufficient Christians feeling need of nothing more, lacking power for lack of abiding Christ, hiding Jesus by selfish humanity instead of shining, though thinking rich while wretched, miserable, poor, blind, naked.ST Apr 9, 1902 Gold is faith and love making truly rich, raiment Christ's righteousness covering shame, eyesalve sight to see self as God sees, and such need not despair but learn from Word what Christian means and receive power to overcome self and reveal Christ full of grace and truth.ST Apr 9, 1902

It rebukes Laodiceans deceived to talk and feel needing nothing while clinging to doubts and darling sins, refusing reproof as uncalled and not meant, though sustained in clearness and strength of truth yet poor lacking almost every qualification, wanting Bible humility, patience, faith, love, self-denial, watchfulness, sacrifice, holiness and obedience.3T 253.2 It calls to constant unceasing effort in battle and march to maintain victory over temptation, to receive grace and discernment to discover deficiency and gain practical knowledge leading to lowliness and conformity of will to Christ.3T 253.2 Pointed reproof must be active naming sin plainly and dealing promptly decisively, requiring recognition of wrongs, zealous repentance and putting away sins bringing this condition.3T 260.1

It belongs to the Laodicean message for professed followers dishonoring profession making false paths for own and others' feet, going years against light and knowledge till corrupted in faith and principle, sacrificing faith for worldly favor, selling to sin, helping others in strange paths till pure religion unknown, leavened with opposition to righteousness, not Christ's servants for not doing His works.MWISDAP 13.2+1 Feeling compunction at first but refusing to turn, hardness prepares hopeless apostasy and judgments after resisting appeals, abusing mercy, rejecting redeeming love by infinite sacrifice, warning unless they see sinfulness, dishonor to God, repent and convert for souls' sake they will never have eternal life.MWISDAP 13.2+1 Yet mercy still holds, heart yearns, hand stretched still, provision that all receiving Him receive power to become sons of God.MWISDAP 13.2+1

It is applied to families neglecting duty to guide children, who must not remain Laodicean but at once confess neglect, take responsibilities and reform homes, with parents teaching and guiding.7T 66.1+1 The Laodicean condition is unacceptable to Christ, and the Medical Missionary Association is failing appointed work and not preparing people for sound healthy experience standing judgment.STB 80.3+1 The Laodicean message applied at that time called Sabbath-keepers in low state to seek vital godliness, seen as people humbled, confessed, repented, gave up pride and folly, turned so Saviour could enter hearts.SG2 214.2–215.1

It applies most decidedly to insipid experience bearing no decided witness, calling reform in God's institutions permeated with worldly spirit, requiring decided testimony for health reform including no meat before sanitarium patients.Lt 98, 1901, par. 9+1 It applies everywhere in every way and sense, calling for more than common efforts, energetic personal work while God raises the church, deep interest in own case, turning eyes within, afflicting soul, mourning, praying, begging salvation.Lt 12, 1857, par. 7 It plainly marks present condition calling to awake, and those striving to overcome must hold principles to reach God's high standard amid satanic temptation to corrupt them, overcoming as Christ by whole-hearted obedience cherishing all graces into beautiful symmetrical character with no halves, for true religion obeys all commandments bringing salvation while disobedience ruins.Lt 63, 1903, par. 8

The worldly-minded professing Christian engrossed by cares, affections on earthly treasure, avaricious close penurious selfish, is Laodicean thinking rich needing nothing while poor miserable blind naked, needing heavenly anointing to remove blindness to self and see clearly in judging brethren.Ms 2, 1869, par. 8–9 Lukewarm condition applying to all members today is laying off spiritual garments, absenting from services and prayer and praise meetings, failing to keep lamps trimmed burning and reflect God's light and glory, making Sabbath mere physical rest not sweet foretaste above, degenerating to form, running low temperature, having name to live while dead and dishonoring the Lord.19MR 254.4–255.1+1 It warns to awake from lukewarm inactive state to sincere fervent love and decisive action, for sinful inaction leaves souls perishing, putting all energy to conform to God's will, growing to full maturity and pursuing sanctification instead of indifferent self-satisfaction.Ms 152, 1906, par. 3+1

It admonishes God's people strengthened in own way following own impulses refusing to heed, once firm believers now careless of welfare yielding without opposition to Satan's plots, applicable to our churches.Lt 5, 1903, par. 22 It is part of the Laodicean message Christ gives to point out dangers and correct existing evils.RCOC 9.1–5 It describes last-day churches neither cold nor hot needing fresh new experience, God's call to prepare for His near coming.Lt 165, 1903, par. 18–19 Present state shows true love to God and unselfish love to neighbor almost extinct, unrighteous religion degraded by perverted piety, calling churches everywhere to heed, convert, change heart, practice elevating sanctifying faith, seeking Lord while found and calling while near.Ms 7, 1902, par. 32–33 The church in Laodicean state claims belief without power God would bestow on real believers striving for His image, with His presence not in midst, while Christ formed within as hope of glory would produce conformity and remove separating trials.Ms 156, 1898, par. 10

The church in Laodicean condition must decide to remain or change, leaving means reforming church in home, families showing true colors, conversation pure elevating, parents aroused converted letting sanctification shine in clear rays, humbling, repenting, confessing, drawing near with assurance God draws near, fearing to continue transgression for great day of salvation has come.Ms 119, 1901, par. 13–15+2 The church far behind shows it when camp-meetings are tame shiftless in out-of-way places to save expense as hiding light contrary to God's order, calling for lively interesting meetings where strong burden-bearers impress unbelievers and members learn to carry work in home churches.Lt 159, 1901, par. 9–10 It is sent to idlers in vineyard calling the unqualified to find for soul's sake fitness, stop unfruitful thoughts, fill place, seek God-given wisdom, search every place for needy souls as shepherd for lost sheep, study Scriptures diligently and walk humbly obedient to simple Bible truth.Ms 26, 1905, par. 7 The testimony exalting Christ's righteousness whose seen results prove good must be cried aloud spared not though disturbing self, customs, traditions, bringing misunderstanding, alienation, fear of extremes and efforts to silence, to arouse lukewarm church.11MR 293.3–294.1

The counsel means conversion in health reform standing in given light, temperance in eating and drinking to keep mind and body fittest for service, bringing commandment-keepers into sacred relation for cooperation and strength.5MR 407.5–408.1 It means denying perverted appetite giving up flesh meat not right food, for meat animalizes nature, robs love and sympathy, builds body wrongly, lets lower passions control higher, while obedience brings better health even in age, and where fruits, grains, nuts abound no need to eat dead flesh.5MR 407.5–408.1 It applies to many unaware exposing selfish pride holding back good and ignorance of destitution, whose only hope is falling on Rock broken, self dying, decided changes before God and people.11MR 289.1 It describes being lost in fog of sophistry spreading damaging theories harming souls, needing thorough breaking of fallow heart and dawning light, where Lord cannot work and little hope of straight paths.Lt 239, 1904, par. 5 It applies to all professing God's law yet not doers, calling reconversion by Spirit molding, softening hard stony unsympathetic hearts, ending selfishness, making every phase representation of Christ, appreciating probation to work salvation with fear lest inheritance lost and heard I know you not.Ms 167, 1898, par. 27–29 Its condition professes much while works deny, and resisting Spirit, cherishing disbelief, refusing sent messages leaves worse than if never received.Lt 93, 1904, par. 22–23 Those with much light grown self-satisfied welcoming encouragement disregarding caution and reproof are warned as portrayed by Christ, with Israel's rejection of Christ and prophecies admonishing against unbelief and worldliness.16MR 12.4–13.3 Straight testimony borne in past must be renewed now calling revival from long torpid apparent death to resurrection.MWISDAP 41.3

It calls Christians to live faithfully taking Christ's yoke performing enjoined duties, refusal inconsistent with Christianity, including many, with low piety as at Christiania treating truth as convenience needing to bring life to Bible standard not business and selfish interest.18MR 337.4–6+2 It applies to those putting own construction on the Sanitarium burning acting like Job's comforters searching to condemn Dr. Kellogg, whose own condition makes counsel theirs needing realization.Lt 29, 1902, par. 2 It applies to Christians halfhearted by relying on lawyers, legal documents and agreements, dependence on worldly principles abhorrent to God.5MR 418.3 The Laodicean condition addressed applied to Dr. Kellogg, whose threats showed same condition.Ms 184, 1905, par. 2–8 Christ who bought the church with blood longs to clothe her with salvation and have her partake glory as repository of sacred truth, again sending Spirit to infuse living working principle.12MR 154.1 Unconsecrated elements rock her to sleep in carnal security rejecting rich floods of light from heaven unless God works as men mark out, a spirit found in Battle Creek and many churches, with power and grace undesired unless self-directed.12MR 154.1

The counsel to obtain refined gold, white clothing, and eye medicine is the remedy for lukewarmness, and those waiting for the soon return who have become worldly, cold, formal, and seek human approval must heed the faithful and true Witness, repent with zeal, and buy what makes truly rich, clothed, and seeing, or they will be spit out, renounced, and rejected.SCEV 26.2–4+3 It is the voice of the Saviour as the last message of mercy and last warning to a fallen world while the third angel's message is proclaimed, and if the church becomes lukewarm it stands in no more favor than fallen churches, with those united to the commandment-keeping people yet having no more vitality than nominal churches receiving the plagues just as opposers of the law do, while only those sanctified through truth will compose the royal family in the heavenly mansions prepared for those who love and keep the commandments.Lt 35, 1898, par. 16–18 It is spoken in the very last days so none is left without opportunity, to those saying they are rich and increased with goods and needing nothing while wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked, fully satisfied yet terribly deceived after once knowing and loving truth, demanding diligent heart-searching for prevarications, subterfuges, and other evils hated by God, with zeal, repentance, and opening the door to fellowship and overcoming to sit on the throne.Lt 176, 1903, par. 21–23+1 This includes professed keepers of all the commandments who take others to amusements and join singing schools with worldlings surrounded by darkness and evil angels, left without God's angels to go in their own strength with feeble light, pleasing Satan and serving him more efficiently than if they made no profession.TCBMP 52.1

The rebuke rests upon them because they would not heed appeals by the Holy Spirit and the testimonies, and the earnest reproofs and warnings are given in love that rebukes and chastens to lead to zeal and repentance while Christ stands knocking to enter and sup with whoever hears and opens.Ms 55, 1890, par. 12–14 The goods offered are a purchase of highest advantage, bringing spiritual grace and good works, a covering so shame is not exposed, and sight to discern sin and the difference between serving God and not serving Him, showing they are not left without opportunity to repent.Ms 55, 1890, par. 12–14+1 The message had long been before church members but had not been heeded as it should have been, and it is received only when repentance is earnest and deep.Ms 33, 1894, par. 6 It was given to a church faithfully instructed by fervent labor and prayer to stand perfect and complete in all the will of God and to be perfect as the Father in heaven is perfect, but which heard without appropriating truth or carrying out instruction, showing the sure result of rejecting warnings and entreaties, for rejecting appeals brings sure consequences.16MR 12.1–3+1 Reproof merely heard but not obeyed has little effect, and blessings withdraw when testimony is unheeded, yet opportunity to repent remains.18MR 165.3–166.1+2

The straight testimony of the True Witness exposes need and must be taken seriously because destiny hangs upon it, and receiving it leads to exalting the standard, pouring forth straight truth, deep repentance, obedience, and purification.CET 176.1–2+3 Some will not bear it but rise against it, and that opposition causes a shaking among God's people, for the testimony has been lightly esteemed if not entirely disregarded.CET 176.1–2+2 In that shaking some will plead earnestly with strong faith and prayer while the indifferent and careless are overcome and shut in by surrounding darkness.ST2 23.2+1

God does not spit His people out at once but bears patiently, giving time for excitement of feeling and fear stirred by the solemn message to wear off so character develops from principle and faith rather than feeling, while angels wait to weigh moral worth and mark development.SG2 224.1+2 He proves whether they will obey counsel as He brings them to successive points of truth, and the testing reveals the heart and cherished idols prized above Jesus.SG2 224.1+2 Those who heed at every testing point sacrifice idols and overcome selfishness, pride, and evil passions, are purified, and receive the latter rain fitting them for translation, while those who refuse remain unpurified and risk being spit out.SG2 225.1+1 The counsel must be taken hold of individually with personal experience in order to rise, righting all known wrongs, believing God accepts, taking Him at His word without mourning, seeking diligently, drinking of salvation, moving understandingly, and climbing by faith with confidence and liberty rather than suspicion.1T 165.3–4

Testing character and spitting out the lukewarm is the Lord's own work and not people's, requiring time for character to develop, so it is wrong to take that work into human hands, to push off those who do not come up to a human standard, or to fear association with those thought to be spit out.Lt 19, 1859, par. 2–3 That work belongs to God and is done by His angels waiting for development and weighing moral worth, and time had to be granted for them to accomplish it.Lt 19, 1859, par. 2–3+1

Since the message to the Laodiceans went forth the delay develops character, brings out what is in the heart, and separates the precious from the vile while the lukewarm are spit out.Ms 6, 1859, par. 44 Pride in dress, ruffles and bonnets covered with bows and ribbons, indexes pride dwelling in the heart and is inconsistent with professing to wait for Jesus to change vile bodies and fashion them like His most glorious body.Ms 6, 1859, par. 44

The straight testimony warns professed believers they may be unconverted and unprepared for the coming and judgment, and those loving self-indulgence and murmuring at it do not understand how sinful their actions are.Lt 106, 1909, par. 1–3+1 Their rebellion and ingratitude will bring shame, and no confession or weeping in the judgment will undo a spoiled record when evasion and refusal to repent face the record of actions.Lt 106, 1909, par. 1–3+1

The counsel to obtain true riches, clothing, and sight for those neither cold nor hot and in danger of being spit out, who say they are rich and increased with goods and need nothing while wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked, is joined with the warning to those having a name to live yet dead to be watchful, strengthen what remains ready to die, remember how they received and heard, hold fast and repent, lest Christ come as a thief at an unknown hour.Lt 24, 1897, par. 4–5

It is not too late to buy, for Christ still counsels every soul who has a soul to save or lose, meaning coming into close relation with God, wrestling for the crown of immortality and life measuring with the life of God and the eternal weight of glory promised every overcomer, coming out separate, walking humbly, and getting ready to meet the Lord in peace at His very soon coming in the clouds.Ms 151, 1904, par. 68–72 The gold represents truth, faith, and love, and the white raiment is His righteousness worked into character in purity of heart and motive, which does not cover continued unrighteousness since sin is transgression of law and those breaking and teaching others to break it are not clothed, yet the offer remains open before the crisis of being unprepared when the Bridegroom comes.Ms 143, 1901, par. 5–10 His invitations and saving provision remain open to those who resisted appeals and need repentance and conversion, and receiving Him gives power to become children of God.STB 355.2–356.2

The counsel belongs to warning to prepare to meet the Lord coming in clouds with power and great glory, confronting indifference to foretold signs and presenting evidence the end is right upon us.Lt 386, 1904, par. 1 The Laodicean message is a work to be understood by searching carefully and correcting evil, leaving the tangled mass to dwell on great principles of faith, though Satan is unwilling for it to be rightly understood, and those not understanding remain in blindness and plunge deeper even after about two years of showing when things are not right.Lt 17, 1859, par. 10 It is straight testimony to be renewed as borne in years past, words of power bringing people out point by point into clear present truth, sealed as genuine truth and laid as foundation not to be torn down, calling for revival and resurrection from long torpor and apparent death by holding the beginning of confidence steadfast to the end and refusing those who would tear down the foundation as teachers and leaders.Lt 242, 1903, par. 18–19

The message to the Laodiceans had not brought the expected zealous repentance.SG4 190.1 It pictures indifference in which the church must not remain because the emptying and burning of the earth is very near, forcing decision on which side to stand when the Lord comes out of His place to punish inhabitants for iniquity.Ms 74, 1903, par. 19–20

Receiving the counsel opens the eyes to real need and poverty, blindness and nakedness beneath self-sufficiency and supposed righteousness, exposing a hard and unjust spirit and lack of union and love.8T 104.6–105.1+2 That sight breaks the heart, humbles before God, brings confession of sins and asking forgiveness of others, and leads to deep mutual confession with restored love and unity.8T 104.6–105.1+2 The result is a Pentecostal season of weeping, praise and rejoicing, a call to be born again, to receive the Holy Spirit and become burning and shining lights by practicing Bible principles, which alone will revive the church.Lt 98, 1901, par. 2–3+2 What should have happened among men in positions of trust at Battle Creek and the last General Conference if they had humbled themselves and followed God's way is what the Lord and all heaven wait to be gracious to do, giving precious experience to those who die to self, cherish contrite need, and let Christ manifest Himself and revive them instead of exalting self in pride and haughtiness.12MR 298+1 The same counsel calls for healthy action in the church by those long knowing truth with great light and privileges yet feeble and inefficient, to buy true riches tried in fire, white clothing to cover shameful nakedness, and eyesalve for sight and true knowledge of self.Lt 98, 1901, par. 2–3+1

The counsel must be taken not as originating with men but as God's own Word working effectually in those who believe, proclaimed by His messengers to expose the claim to be rich and increased with goods and needing nothing while wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked.Lt 24, 1892, par. 31–35+1 When barred out by unbelief and doubt toward both message and messenger it loses influence on mind and heart and leaves believers in darkness.Lt 24, 1892, par. 31–35+1 Received in faith it rebukes and chastens in love and calls to zeal and repentance and opening the door to Christ.Lt 24, 1892, par. 31–35

Buying is acted upon by those who feel poverty, confessing sins and repenting in contrition, clearing rubbish from the door of the heart and opening to welcome Jesus as heavenly guest.Ms 21, 1893, par. 6–9+1 This places them in the channel of light to receive most precious blessings from heaven, the manifestation of God to His people, and the rising of the Sun of Righteousness with light shining from the throne.Ms 21, 1893, par. 6–9+1 Gold is faith and love, white raiment is the righteousness of Christ, and eyesalve is true spiritual discernment.Ms 21, 1893, par. 6–9+1 Those who refuse remain poverty-stricken and blind, not softened by the Holy Spirit, not hearing the true Shepherd, and shut out from the beams of light.Ms 21, 1893, par. 6–9

Complying with the Merchantman's invitation to the lukewarm means repenting of lukewarmness and becoming zealous, seeing delights and excellencies in Jesus and finding Him as the Pearl of great price.Ms 30, 1889, par. 56–61+1 Then the Sun of righteousness rises in the heart, the Lord puts a new song of His matchless love in the mouth, and the buyer speaks of His love and tells of His power.Ms 30, 1889, par. 56–61+1 The change is proved by hearts impressed to confess wrongs to believers and unbelievers and to make restitution.Ms 30, 1889, par. 56–61+1

Heeding requires humility and refusing Satan control of the powers, honoring God, praising Him, cultivating love for heavenly things, and beholding Jesus till His likeness is reflected in cheerful grateful praise.17MR 174.3–175.1+1 It requires fairness toward differing views, making no false statements, mistaking no words, placing none in false light, while precious old light on the law of God as the righteousness of Christ shines forth again in clear rays.Ms 15, 1888, par. 46–48 It requires keeping God's commandments, loving God supremely and neighbor as self, praying and studying the Bible more, receiving nothing as God's voice without heaven's credentials, humbling the soul, turning to the Lord, changing purposes, seeking God while He may be found, and bringing purity, meekness and lowliness of Christ into the work instead of walking in one's own way.Ms 15, 1888, par. 46–48+1 The heavenly anointing departs because souls are untrained to pity, faith scarcely exists, and handlers of sacred things are sharp, critical and censorious, walking as blind men making crooked paths so the lame are turned out of the way, yet the proffer of the Holy Spirit is breathed again and again upon souls for whom Christ died with only a step from earth to heaven.17MR 174.3–175.1

Heeding joins human weakness, indecision, ignorance and unworthiness to Christ's strength, wisdom and worthiness, receiving from Him riches that make truly rich and overcome spiritual poverty.Lt 66, 1899, par. 7 Applied, this turns from pride, self-indulgence and spending money to maintain appearances to recognizing money belongs to God and giving toward His cause and suffering needy people and servants.Lt 66, 1899, par. 7

The counsel is meant to expose spiritual backsliding, awaken to true condition, lead each person to examine the heart and receive needed correction rather than judge others, and bring earnest repentance, deep humility, and purification from sins that shut Jesus out.1T 186.1+2 It must be heeded fully and given time to do its work, not accomplishing its purpose in a few short months, for God gives time rather than rejecting at once.1T 186.1+2 So heeded it prepares to receive Jesus' presence and fits for the loud cry of the third angel, while at successive points of truth resistance reveals idols prized above Jesus and those who sacrifice them, obey truth and overcome selfishness, pride and evil passions are purified and fitted by latter rain for translation.SG4 190.3+2

Obtaining tried gold as precious valuable experience gained through obstacles in God's chosen way, by which He proves and tries, keeps from giving Satan encouragement to set things in false disagreeable light and from reflecting that unpleasantness to others.Lt 252, 1903, par. 7–8 It enables shining as lights by looking up, talking faith and brightness, rebuking the enemy's cloud of disagreeable misrepresentations, praying, and receiving light from the fountain with bright rays of the Sun of righteousness shining into hearts.Lt 252, 1903, par. 7–8

Receiving requires being broken on the Rock, with sin crucified and complete moral renovation by the Holy Spirit shaping after the divine Pattern.ST Jan 16, 1893+1 Gold tried in fire is God's love with living abiding faith obtainable only from Christ, and as one grows in divine life, beholds Christ and learns God's truths, change to the Redeemer's likeness follows.5T 105.2 The purchase demands humbling to see danger and strong determined effort for everlasting life, durable honor and enduring riches, correcting motives that seek human honor, position and worldly influence and exalt self instead of keeping the eye single to God's glory in just dealing, mercy and humble walk.Lt 25, 1873, par. 4–5 Trading spirituality for position or praise is selling the birthright for a mess of pottage, while eternal life is worth everything and gained by willingness for every sacrifice, with infinite sacrifice made so whoever complies and walks as Christ walked may be exalted to honor, glory and immortal riches.Lt 25, 1873, par. 4–5

To buy is to get out of lukewarmness into true conversion, without which heaven is failed.6T 426.4+1 Christ as heavenly Merchantman offers faith and love as gold refined by fire, His righteousness as white clothing, and spiritual discernment as eyesalve, with purchase meaning only complying with His conditions through faith and humble prayerful obedience.6T 426.4+1 Accepting exchanges lukewarmness for love and zeal, while refusing leaves unmoved by truth and unfit for God's family, for no victory is bought by good works yet none comes without them and dead heartless duty does not make Christians, with true grace enduring trial, adversity, affliction and persecution as sound and sincere.6T 426.4+1

Heaven has proffered richest blessings and merciful light, but few humble to receive them, and the message must be applied practically by each to self.Lt 77, 1893, par. 46–47+1 Stubborn rebellious refusal leaves so destitute of the Holy Spirit as to be unusable, and unless converted never to enter the mansions of the blest, with urgent call to remember the fall from first love, repent, return to first works, or the candlestick will be removed.Lt 77, 1893, par. 46–47+1

If received, the sacred message brings thorough reformation, revives living testimony, purges hypocrites and sinners, and restores favor.EW 192.1 Buying gold, raiment and eyesalve means obtaining faith and love, Christ's righteousness, and spiritual discernment to become truly rich, clothed and seeing, with heavenly anointing for the eyes giving sight to discern defects and destitution of God's love and putting on Christ as white raiment in aroused vital love returning to simple trustful faith pervaded by energizing transforming power.Lt 4, 1889, par. 58–59+2 Those accepting the message God sends heed the True Witness to arouse the slumbering church so God can work for and with His people and they shine as lights by good works as well as words, while refusing to hear the Heavenly Merchantman and open the door leaves destitute of His presence and true riches amid self-righteous claims to need nothing.Lt 4, 1889, par. 58–59+1

The verse calls the lukewarm to reconsecrate hearts, take decided stand to obey truth, live wholly for God, and be ready to meet the Son of man in peace at His unexpected coming.Ms 66, 1905, par. 45–48 Eyesalve as heavenly anointing opens eyes to discern truth from error when the enemy presents sophistries undermining faith such as that the Lord delays His coming, and white raiment as Christ's righteousness appears in pure holy life of walking and talking with God, consecrated to Christ and His service as fully as the world is given to evil.Ms 66, 1905, par. 45–48 Spiritual poverty and defective sight are met by receiving the offered gold, white raiment and eyesalve, applied to the wrongdoer who must see fault, confess thoroughly, repent sincerely, and make restitution and reconciliation where another was injured, otherwise remaining weak and unhealed.Lt 40, 1890, par. 2–3