8:29Romans 8:29

God foreknew a people and predestined them to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that Christ might be the firstborn among many brethren made like Jesus.Lt 20, 1899, par. 18+2 His determined purpose is to transform them into Christ's likeness and character and restore the divine image in them.Lt 20, 1899, par. 18+2 That conformity is formed as believers keep looking to Jesus and yield to the Holy Spirit, who transcribes His likeness on the heart through faith, the Word, and obedience until self dies and Christ lives His character in them.ST2 26.1+4 It comes through painful purification and discipline, where trials and providences remove earthliness and bring the will into conformity with God's will.Lt 9, 1873, par. 6–7+2 Becoming like Christ in this life is fitness for heaven, for only a spotless Christlike character formed here can enter there.4T 36.3+3

Those whom God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that Christ might be the firstborn among many brethren, and this conformity to Christ is God's purpose to make them like Jesus.Lt 20, 1899, par. 18+2 Transformation to Christlikeness must take place, or there will be vacillation, division, and lack of love and oneness.Lt 133a, 1898, par. 9–11 It does not come by self-planning, for if it depended on human planning there would be no hope; it comes by trusting that God has planned, refusing to rule self, and in meekness taking an appointed place to be molded after the divine similitude, so that love is cherished and believers love one another as Christ loves them.Lt 133a, 1898, par. 9–11

Foreknowledge and predestination lead on to calling and to justification and glorification, with calling and justification distinct from each other.ST Mar 6, 1893 Calling is the work of the Holy Spirit drawing sinners to Christ, convicting them of sin, and inviting them to repent.ST Mar 6, 1893 Repentance must come before forgiveness, yet sinners cannot produce repentance or prepare themselves for grace, but repent as they respond to God's drawing and move toward Christ.ST Mar 6, 1893 The verse belongs with Romans 8:28-36 in the setting of a terrible conflict, applied broadly to believers whose lives God refines like fire without consuming them, leaving foreknowledge, predestination, and conformity to Christ without further explanation.Ms 200, 1898, par. 15

Christ being the firstborn among many brethren means His resurrection as the first fruits of the dead.Ms 115, 1897, par. 29–33 He is the antitype of the wave-sheaf offered at the harvest feast: His resurrection came first, and those raised with Him were presented to the Father as a sign that He had conquered death and as an assurance of the resurrection of the dead at the last trumpet.Ms 115, 1897, par. 29–33 Jesus ascended to the Father as representative of the human race, and God will bring those who reflect His image to behold and share His glory.9T 286.1 Christ's resurrection and ascension are sure evidence of triumph over death and the grave and a pledge that heaven is open to those who wash their robes of character and make them white in the blood of the Lamb.9T 286.1

Those God foreknew He predestined to become like His Son, Jesus the firstborn among many brothers and sisters, and this conformity to Christ's image is God's determined plan and purpose to transform people into His character and likeness and restore the divine image in them.Lt 20, 1899, par. 18+3 Those predestined are called, justified, and glorified, with calling and justification distinct: calling is the Holy Spirit drawing sinners to Christ, convicting of sin and inviting to repent, and repentance comes before forgiveness though sinners cannot produce it or prepare themselves for grace but repent as they respond to God's drawing and move toward Christ.ST Mar 6, 1893 Every disciple is predestined to this likeness, seen in longsuffering love, holiness, meekness, mercy, and truth manifested in character and life as a witness to the world.DA 826.2–3 Jesus took human nature to give a complete and perfect pattern and seeks to make people true in every purpose, feeling, thought, and part of life, so the fallen nature is purified, ennobled, and consecrated through obedience to truth, and the one who most fully reflects His image is truly noble and honorable in God's sight.AAP 20.2

Even fallen man, deceived by Satan and taking Satan's side, can be conformed to the image of the Son of the infinite God and shall be like Him.8MR 182.1–2 Because Christ's righteousness is given to man, God loves fallen but redeemed man even as He loved His Son.8MR 182.1–2 The law is the standard of character and detector giving knowledge of sin, while the sinner is drawn by Christ's love shown in humbling Himself to die a shameful death on the cross.8MR 182.1–2 This is the wonderful mystery of godliness that angels longed to look into and that taxes the highest human intelligence, of highest value to be made the groundwork of every discourse and hung in memory's hall because starving souls need Christ and not dry Christless theories.8MR 182.1–2

God has determined this transforming purpose and will accomplish His will even when it cannot be understood.Ms 75, 1893, par. 8–9+1 When physical suffering continues and prayer for healing is not answered, He still knows what is best and sees what human sight does not see in human nature.Ms 75, 1893, par. 8–9+1 To be predestined means leaving self perfectly surrendered in His hand without fretting, murmuring, discouragement, or giving up, trusting He will not leave nor forsake those who trust Him.Ms 75, 1893, par. 8–9+1 Through communion with a compassionate Saviour He gives peace, comfort, enlightenment, and visions of hope, while those who murmur and complain work at cross purposes with what He means for them.Lt 4, 1899, par. 2–4

This transformation to Christlikeness must take place, or there will be great vacillation of mind, division, and lack of love and oneness.Lt 133a, 1898, par. 9–11 It does not come by self-planning, for if it depended on human planning there would be no hope.Lt 133a, 1898, par. 9–11 It comes by trusting that God has planned, refusing to rule self, and in meekness taking an appointed place to be molded and fashioned after the divine similitude.Lt 133a, 1898, par. 9–11 In this way love for one another is cherished so believers love as Christ loves them.Lt 133a, 1898, par. 9–11

God foreknows and predestines, and choosing eternal life is shown by a decisive life, while the half-hearted and indifferent will be left behind and those who choose it will ultimately obtain it.Ms 5, 1859, par. 18 Those translated into the kingdom are to be made like Christ in this present life instead of being shaped by the world, by being transformed through renewing of the mind by the Holy Spirit.Ms 102, 1901, par. 20 This work depends on free choice either to follow Christ to whom all power in heaven and earth is given or to turn away from Him to the world.Ms 102, 1901, par. 20

God's purpose is to restore His image by transforming and purifying so people may be conformed to His Son, redeeming from Satan's power and from sin itself and not merely from suffering sin causes. Christ alone can renew a character ruined by sin, freeing from demonic control, lifting from the fall, and reshaping after His own divine character to restore the Maker's image.DA 37.3 This restored life is a glorious destiny whose full reach will be revealed only in eternity. Reaching it requires surrendering the will to God and giving up whatever causes sin, where what seems like loss can open the way to life.

God calls people to share the glory and character of Jesus by becoming like Him, and Christ's Spirit develops in them what ennobles character and dignifies nature, building them up in body, soul, and spirit for God's glory.DA 341.1–2 Christ works with them supplying divine grace and strength so even the weakest can overcome.RH Oct 30, 1900 Following Him means learning from Him, denying self, taking up the cross daily, and persevering in His service.RH Oct 30, 1900

Predestination means God planned this likeness for people with all their defects of character, seeing in those He chose the possibility of being like Christ and even one with Him.Lt 133a, 1898, par. 12–13 Christ Himself transforms the heart after His own heart until human thoughts become the thoughts of Jesus.Lt 133a, 1898, par. 12–13 This comes only when the Holy Spirit takes possession of the whole mind, so one no longer works at cross-purposes but responds to every touch of God and prays to be brought into God's will rather than asking God to conform to human will.Lt 133a, 1898, par. 12–13 It requires giving the entire life to be worked by Him and letting self die so Christ lives His character in the human character and the two are blended together, for if self is kept God cannot rule and working against Him spoils the web of character.Lt 133a, 1898, par. 12–13

From eternity God chose His people to be His obedient children and predestined them through sanctification to be conformed to Christ.Ms 38, 1899, par. 8–9 This requires being emptied of all self and cleansed from littleness and cheapness of self through obedience to truth, being supplied with grace and controlled by the Holy Spirit.Ms 38, 1899, par. 8–9 God gave His Son to die to make this sanctification possible, and He is honored only when those professing belief represent the beauty of holiness to the world.Ms 38, 1899, par. 8–9 No one will enter the gates of the city without perfecting a Christlike character, but all who with trust strive for sanctification will receive it and then as witnesses make known what grace has wrought in them.Ms 38, 1899, par. 8–9

Being conformed to the image of Christ takes place as believers keep looking to Jesus in a continuing moral renewal, growing in grace and in knowledge of Him while turning from sin and all selfishness and hating them.ST2 26.1+4 In this looking they are complete in Him, not through their own righteousness but through the righteousness found in Christ.ST2 26.1+4 It is the continuing work of the Holy Spirit in the soul that keeps the eye fixed upon Jesus, for He never leaves such a soul unassisted but takes the things of Christ and shows them to him, strengthening vision to behold Christ until the soul is conformed to His image, contemplating the perfection and excellence of His character until the mind becomes as Christ's mind.Ms 71, 1896, par. 27

The work is progressive and begins the moment one looks inquiringly to Christ for grace and beholds Him as the Lamb who takes away sin, for Christ advances to meet such a one and by the Holy Spirit begins to transcribe His likeness on the heart, shining in the heart to give the light of the knowledge of God's glory in the face of Jesus Christ.Ms 84, 1898, par. 3 It advances only as the believer grasps the righteousness of Christ by faith and beholds Jesus, receiving a living expanding principle in the heart that the Spirit carries on from grace to grace, from strength to strength, from character to character until the measure of the full stature in Christ, making an end of the curse of sin and setting the soul free from its action and effect as a candidate for heaven.ST Mar 13, 1893 Longing for righteousness and making room for Jesus leads to fuller love and knowledge of heavenly things as those who keep looking are changed by the Spirit until life bears Christ's image.DA 302.1

God stamps the likeness of Christ upon the soul through the Spirit working on the heart as faith takes hold of Him as personal Saviour with experiential knowledge of the value of His sacrifice on Calvary, Christ being the model upon which the Spirit works.Lt 74, 1897, par. 4 He forms it by the ministry of the Word, by providences, and by inward working, as each heart is individually opened so that through the Spirit Christ comes in to mold and fashion the life anew in accordance with the divine image.Ms 16, 1903, par. 15–26+1 Truth received and obeyed subdues unholy traits while the Spirit convicts of sin and faith works through love to Christ, changing the whole person in body, soul, and spirit, purifying and renewing the heart in the likeness of God to do His will and share truth with others.ST Oct 10, 1906+1

The Spirit yielded to continually transforms character into Christ's likeness with softness, beauty, tenderness, and unity despite natural differences in character.Lt 78, 1894, par. 29 This formation comes through continual grace and gradual growth toward the perfect likeness, through the discipline of little things rather than striking actions.Lt 78, 1894, par. 24 It calls for praying for the gift of the Holy Spirit, asking God to develop the Christian graces in the heart, placing self as an empty vessel before Him to receive rich grace, exercising unto godliness where God places believers to increase development, and praying for living faith that becomes visible in changed expression, character, and life with the love of God seen.Lt 195, 1902, par. 13–14+1

This likeness cannot be formed while keeping eye and thoughts on self, for chronic doubting that beholds self and makes "I" the theme of thought and talk prevents the change, since self is not a saviour and has no redeeming qualities to trust.Lt 11, 1897, par. 21+1 Trusting self is like putting faith in a very leaky boat that will surely founder, while safety is only in Jesus as Captain of the lifeboat who never loses a passenger.Lt 11, 1897, par. 21 Meditating and feeding upon one's own imperfect character keeps the heart from glowing with the love of Christ and keeps His joy from remaining and making joy full.Lt 11, 1897, par. 21

Conformity comes through grace reaching people in obedience to God's law as the transcript of the divine character, with knowledge of Jesus cultivated fully so they become doers of the Word.Lt 58, 1909, par. 6 It means being in deed and in truth amenable to the law, so that God can demonstrate through them the blessings of obedience to the principles of His Word, with heaven ready to acknowledge the humblest serving soul.Lt 299, 1905, par. 7 It embraces body and spirit together, requiring eating and drinking brought into conformity with nature's laws, personal obligation to God sensed, natural habits strictly guarded and controlled, health laws made earnest study since willing ignorance is sin, and fleshly lusts that war against the soul abstained from with diligent heed to His precepts.4MR 385.1–2

Being conformed involves painful prolonged purification with discipline, testing, conflict, labor, self-denial, and affliction that reveal the heart, call faith into exercise, develop Christian graces, purify, and bring the will into conformity with God's will through truth and providence.Lt 9, 1873, par. 6–7+1 God may answer prayers for this likeness in unexpected ways, choosing the circumstances and means He knows are best for good.Lt 9, 1873, par. 6–7+1 Through severe trials He removes earthliness so Christ's image may be perfectly reflected, and sharing Christ's sufferings in trial and hardship tests faith, increases love, and perfects trust, as Paul welcomed hardships for Christ's sake through which he desired to become like Christ.4SP 438.1+1

To accomplish this He permits trials of various kinds to call believers to a higher order of living and more sanctified service, to test the purity and strength of principles in those in responsibility, and to educate character in the highest order of education.Ms 85, 1906, par. 22–23 Without these there would be continual falling away from Christ's likeness into scientific, fanciful, human philosophy uniting with Satan's followers.Ms 85, 1906, par. 22–23 Perfection of this character molded and substantiated after God's model is attained by exercising the faculties of the mind in supreme test through obedience to every requirement of law and utmost faithfulness in duty, bringing continual growth in knowledge, acknowledgment as co-laborers with the great Master Worker, and a glorious part in glorifying the Creator by precept and example.Ms 85, 1906, par. 22–23

God draws believers to himself to remake them in the likeness of Christ, and that likeness is loving unity with fellow believers.SW 77.1+1 White and Black Christians are branches of the same vine, receiving the same grace and sharing the same hope of heaven, with no separate heaven for any race and no claim to superiority.SW 77.1 True faith is shown by love and compassion, and those with greater advantages may find many they looked down on entering heaven before them.SW 77.1 The renewed person bears the mind of Christ in concern for others and willingness to do his works, overcoming self to serve with unselfish love.3T 536.2–537.2

Christ took humanity to give power to become sons of God, and he will not be satisfied until his image is reproduced in true disciples complete in him.Ms 146, 1903, par. 22 That reproduced likeness witnesses to others, so that beholding Christ in them they also are changed into his likeness and reflect his character before angels and men.Ms 146, 1903, par. 22 To represent Jesus in character can bring more people to the truth than anything else done.Ms 82, 1912, par. 22 This is a day-by-day conforming to the image of Christ that makes believers partakers of the divine nature, and as the great Husbandman God makes everything in the lives of those laboring together with Christ serve growth and fruitbearing through actual gospel experience, preparing trustworthy, solid, experimental missionaries who bear abundant fruit.8T 186.1–2+1

Those who enter eternal life bear the character and mind of Jesus, imitate his example, and live as he lived in doing good and ministering to sufferers.ST Sep 10, 1912 His likeness is reflected in every renewed soul, and those who remain humble, meek, and lowly are made laborers together with God.Lt 366, 1908, par. 1 This conformity is revealed in a life practicing truth and following Christ's example, so others see the power of God's Word to transform lives.Ms 170, 1907, par. 25 It is shown in lives shaped by God's Word and godly example, as abilities are cultivated and used to serve and point others to Christ.RH Oct 5, 1911

Christ is the pattern after which life is shaped, and education must keep this divine goal rather than worldly models.TBC1882 14.2+1 Students are to be trained to reflect the image of their Maker by looking to Christ at God's right hand.TBC1882 14.2 Children can be Christians with experience suited to their years, and are to be taught spiritual things with every advantage to develop characters like Christ's.COL 84.1 A teacher following Christ's example shapes pupils toward the Pattern through kindness and Christian courtesy with lasting influence, awakening the moral nature and inspiring response to God's working, a molding whose value only eternity can tell, since respect that changes hearts comes not by claiming dignity but by Christlike conduct.TSSW 80.2+1

This shaping does not destroy individuality or make all identical, but trains distinctive traits, abilities, and understanding for God's glory and others' good.Lt 20, 1894, par. 2–3 Each person has a place in the great plan, and differing temperaments are to unite in distinct complementary work.Lt 78, 1894, par. 18–19 Jesus molds and renews all who consent to follow him toward perfection and completeness in him.18MR 52.1–2

Being conformed to Jesus is the most precious greatness of mind, springing from humility, meekness, and lowliness.5MR 342.4 It is reached by doing God-given work irrespective of others' thoughts or deeds, not dwelling on brethren's mistakes, and striving to preserve unity and harmony, gaining patience and trust in God, invincible faith, consecration that keeps self out of sight, sense of weakness, appreciation for divine help, and craving for grace to do right.5MR 342.4 God molds life and character after the divine likeness to produce ever-increasing moderation, forbearance, patience, respect, and tenderness toward fellow workers, instead of a combative overbearing spirit that impresses self rather than God, hurts Christ in his saints, and works against Christ.Lt 170, 1901, par. 6–9

Conformity is reflecting Christ by good works costing sacrifice, whose conflict with natural feelings disciplines and gains victory after victory over objectionable traits in ongoing warfare that is growing in grace and prepares a place among the blessed in the kingdom.6T 262.3 God works with all who submit to grow in grace by doing Christ's will, giving heaven in the heart now to fit for heaven, making influence a constant blessing as light in moral darkness, and fulfilling his promise to dwell with the contrite and humble.Lt 106, 1903, par. 11

God appointed his people to copy Christ's life and be transformed to his divine image, bestowing blessings largely through human workers with heavenly agencies to transform the world, but when they fail to copy him they cannot be used and he is restrained from giving largely.5MR 358.4 Those receiving truth are recast in faith and character and remodeled in Christ's character, while those refusing truth resist and refuse to be remodeled.21MR 284.1

All in important positions will be tested on making Christ the pattern and being conformed to his likeness, receiving from Christ wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and growth in grace and aptitude until molded after his similitude if faithful.Lt 20a, 1893, par. 51–53 If they fail to keep the Lord's way another spirit will control mind and judgment to plan without the Lord, leave occupied positions, and become a hindrance and snare whom no bribe should keep.Lt 20a, 1893, par. 51–53 Teachers and students seeking duty together with sincere desire gain power to conquer stubborn selfish will.Lt 102, 1902, par. 16–19

Conformity comes by wearing Christ's yoke and daily learning his meekness and lowliness, obtaining rest through living experience, showing it in every line of service, and living a better life.Ms 217, 1902, par. 3–4 It comes by pressing close to Jesus and willingly sharing his sufferings with simplicity and true godliness in every place and work.Ms 112, 1909, par. 1–2 It is sought earnestly day and night from love for Jesus and contemplation of his sacrifice softening the heart, sustained in suffering without murmuring as self dies and Jesus lives within, living for God alone in rest, peace, and joy unto appearing with Christ in glory, seeing the King in beauty, and receiving life measuring with God's life.Lt 52, 1892, par. 10–12

Imperfect manhood is fashioned after Christ when one lays hold of him with firm faith, and even uneloquent ministry becomes simple and loved by children when the heart is softened by his teaching.Ms 22, 1898, par. 21 Those receiving Christ and believing become spiritual children adopted into the royal family, and by seeking God's will are made like him in character.20MR 89.3–4 That likeness appears in speech, conduct, obedience to law, patience, love, and conformity to his will, in kindness restoring rather than destroying the erring, and in working to save sinners.18MR 110.1–3

Perfection of character is conformity to Christ the perfect model, seen in a kindly refined tender spirit seeking to heal and strengthen others as Christ and the Spirit renew.9MR 209.1–2 Those truly believing and striving receive power, and when Christ is formed within as hope of glory the church reflects his likeness and trials separating members disappear.Ms 156, 1898, par. 10 Baptism alone does not save without evidence of transformation, for clinging to old habits and worldly ideas shows lack of conformity to Christ.Ms 92a, 1898, par. 19

God requires separation from the world as a peculiar people with characters conformed to Christ's, with the Word as study marking them as his own.Lt 32, 1906, par. 4 This is urgent present preparation, a decisive choice in crisis.20MR 20.3 Those working with God must look from self to Jesus to have Christ formed within, divested of self-complacency, attentive to the Word, earnestly imitating the Pattern, with his holiness transcribed on the heart in prayer, forbearance, mercy, love, humility, and peace without Pharisaism even among the inapproachable.Lt 5, 1896, par. 16

To be conformed is to abide in Christ and build character after his similitude, which is real service, while a supposedly religious life falling short proves one does not abide.Lt 157, 1897, par. 10–11 Beholding Christ, abandoning human ideas, and taking up God-given duties shapes character in harmony with his lessons.8T 192.6+1 Many like Judas hear words yet receive only what pleases without reproof of appetites, going without reformation, not wearing Christ's yoke nor living to please him.Lt 157, 1897, par. 10–11

Receiving and obeying Christ's words refines the soul, strengthens faith, and gives clear judgment so life harmonizes with God, with his character as pattern for home and church and sharing his yoke meaning becoming meek and lowly.Lt 46, 1911, par. 23 This likeness is transformation through right relation to God, taught to children with care rather than harshness so they know God and do right with assurance of his intercession.Ms 80, 1912, par. 5–6+1 It is kept as minds stay open to every ray of light, cherishing daily truth as it is in Jesus rather than feeling all light already received.Ms 126, 1902, par. 26–27

God's people are to become more like the divine Pattern, reflecting the Redeemer more perfectly by gratitude for blessings, recognition of errors to correct, longing to be like him, and resolve to be humble, watchful, faithful, and useful in doing good.Lt 246, 1899, par. 6–7+1 Being made like Jesus is the great desire of a loving heart with opened eyes, changed heart, subdued temper, freedom from blindness, unbelief, and temptation, constant onward upward movement, appreciation and harmony with brethren despite differing views, sanctification through truth, and reconversion to know Christ's love.Ms 143, 1903, par. 16–19

Conformity comes by looking to the Master Worker, trusting him, following his footsteps, and being filled with his Spirit, without whom no advance is made and with whom a wonderful work is accomplished as laborers together with God bearing his image and living his life.Ms 4, 1900, par. 16 The Spirit makes believers like Jesus in temper so character, words, and conduct represent him.Lt 52, 1894, par. 9 Selfishness must die as servants are molded by the Spirit.Lt 22, 1894, par. 6–7

Growth into Christ's likeness is formed through everyday discipline, where habits of thought, speech, appearance, and action train the soul toward Christ or evil, and God helps cultivate habits showing one has been with Jesus.MYP 202.1 Becoming like Christ is the higher education, shown by revealing the living Saviour.Lt 52, 1909, par. 9 It comes through direct relation with God rather than surrendering mind to another, with mind and character molded after the divine Pattern.CH 375.2–3+1

God foreordained those he foreknew to be conformed by actively walking in the Spirit as dear children rather than seeking mastery in discussion, becoming sanctified through truth with Christ dwelling within, speaking truth in love, dying daily to self and sin with defects lessening toward perfection and full stature.Lt 26, 1891, par. 10–13 This makes living channels of light whose spirit and actions speak louder than profession, bearing fruits of the Spirit, filled with God's fullness, hid with Christ, partaking divine nature as children of light, becoming through refining grace a beautiful temple.Lt 26, 1891, par. 10–13

God predestines the converted surrendered person to be molded by his mind and the Spirit altogether like Jesus, kind, courteous, gentle, careful toward others, purified, cleansed, upheld in body, soul, and spirit to walk worthy, glorify him, and finish given work.Ms 120, 1902 Commandment-keeping people are predestined to become pure and holy as Israel was designed to be in Canaan, acting heaven's principles on earth by guarding against covetousness, selfishness, pride, unfair methods, and advantage over brethren, with the soul temple cleansed and molded by faith working by love.Ms 139, 1899, par. 17–21

Becoming more perfectly conformed happens by permitting grace to mold and by faithful studentship in Christ's school daily conforming life to him, with Bible religion supreme pervading every influence and regulating character in small and large matters like dye through fabric in obedience to every word.Lt 2, 1895, par. 7–10 It calls for self-examination, pressing toward the prize, running with patience, rising above temptation, resisting the devil, drawing near God for help, and letting truth purify rather than walking in darkness.Lt 2, 1895, par. 7–10

Those receiving Christ are exalted through him to become sons of God and brethren of Christ by sharing his character through grace, partaking divine nature and becoming one with him as he is one with the Father.Lt 293, 1905, par. 31–34 Through this they are sanctified because he became lower than angels to taste death for all and suffered to expiate believers' sins, with life hid in God and every advantage given to those earnestly studying his will, believing with heart, mind, and soul, and showing faithfulness by complete obedience.Lt 293, 1905, par. 31–34

Jesus as Son of man stands as humanity's ideal and pattern of what believers are to become, and yielding to that likeness receives his earnest working and the privilege of sonship.Lt 141a, 1896, par. 1–2 Keeping eyes fixed on him as nearest friend and counsellor and following his footsteps in full service because bought with a price conforms to his likeness and completes in him who heads all principalities, giving happiness and preparing for the mansions for those who love him.Lt 147, 1905, par. 12

God intends people to be like Christ with love of God and purity woven into life, an attainable height not yet fully realized, through teaching giving knowledge of salvation that calls for loving and fearing God and keeping commandments.6T 127.1 This shaping follows Christ's way of training disciples, where respect comes not by claiming dignity but by Christlike kindness and courtesy awakening the moral nature, a molding whose value only eternity can tell.Ms 43, 1892, par. 12

God's purpose to restore Christ's image develops through lifetime formation of righteous character with eternal consequences, where probationary choices affect destiny of self and children toward eternal life or ruin.CT 61.2 Spiritual infancy is not to be retained but left behind through continued growth into his likeness.Ms 2, 1884, par. 2

Christ was sent as a pattern of holiness to which the renewed soul conforms, for human character under darkness is depraved and deformed, but he provided transformation drawing sinners by love to change pride to humility and enmity to faith, hope, and love, giving beauty and perfection.Ms 21, 1889, par. 89–90 The things of Christ are shown so the soul catches his temper, and beholding as in a mirror the glory of Jesus changes the mind into the same image with God's imprint until completely conformed to the Model.Ms 21, 1889, par. 89–90

Those cherishing God's love and receiving pure truth have natural character transformed by Christ's grace as they behold him and bring truth into practical life, with heaven's mighty power working outwardly giving confidence to expect the crown at his appearing.Lt 66, 1898, par. 18 All true and faithful thus conformed serve wholeheartedly, do his will, reflect his image, and are clothed in righteousness made holy without guile before the throne.Ms 92, 1897, par. 29–30

God purposed to restore the divine image in believers unto salvation as they come in faith surrendering all, making them Christlike and one with Christ now as they place themselves to receive the Spirit, thus revealing Christ and true religion while fitful work ceases.5MR 342.1–2 The moral image has been lost, and those working with God help restore it by sharing saving ideas preparing people as temples of the Spirit.9MR 371.3 Conformity develops through unreserved consecration with God as present help in temptation, wise instructors understanding minds, favorable association nurturing lovely traits rather than stirring unfavorable inherited traits, and changed habits with relief from hindering burdens for full development in efficient service.Lt 62, 1893, par. 5–6

Reaching heaven requires becoming like Christ, for His followers must overcome as He overcame and have characters made spotless in His image.4T 36.3 Being a true Christian means being Christlike, and forming that character is necessary for heaven.3T 81.2 Justification gives title to heaven while sanctification gives fitness for heaven.MYP 35.2

God's people are to be conformed to the image of His Son, and those who receive the seal of the living God and are protected through the time of trouble must fully reflect Jesus.ExVEGW 58.2 Only thus can they live in God's sight when there is no High Priest ministering in the sanctuary.ExVEGW 58.2 The Christian hope points to life without sin's traces or curse, with continuing growth in wisdom, knowledge, and holiness, for which Christian education prepares people to bear the perfect likeness of their Creator.CT 55.2

Day-by-day growth into the image of Christ is sanctification, an inward righteousness showing itself outwardly in self-control and following Christ's footsteps.MYP 35.2 Sanctification is imparted righteousness, distinct from the imputed righteousness that justifies, and growth continues until grace is lost in glory.MYP 35.2 Those who behold Christ's spotless character desire to become like Him, and the closer they see His purity the more keenly they recognize their own sinfulness.RH Jan 2, 1908 This leads to humility rather than confidence in personal merit, relying on Christ as righteousness, sanctification, and redemption, since Christ alone can answer Satan's accusations by pleading the strength of His own merits.RH Jan 2, 1908

When the sinner drawn by Christ's love approaches the cross a new creation takes place, with a new heart given as a new creature in Christ Jesus leaving holiness with nothing more to require.ST Jun 4, 1902 Those striving for conformity to the divine image are given an outlay of heavenly treasures and an excellency of power that brings honor and exaltation through redeeming love even greater than the shame and degradation through sin.ST Jun 4, 1902 Redeemed sinners are thereby placed higher than even angels who have never sinned.ST Jun 4, 1902

Being conformed to the image of Christ is a character formed in this earthly life, for the change from earth to heaven does not change character.2MR 232.2–233.2 The happiness of the redeemed in heaven results from the Christlike character already formed here, so saints in heaven have first been saints on earth.2MR 232.2–233.2 Only obedient souls with holy pure character can pass the gates mercy has opened, because justice stands at the entrance and demands holiness and purity in all who would see God, and defective character cannot enter.2MR 232.2–233.2 This conformity is not dropped upon a person from heaven by and by but must be developed here in this life through close connection with Jesus to form a perfect character after Christ's likeness.Ms 27, 1891, par. 7

Every soul who believes on Jesus with full assurance of faith is conformed to the image of God's only begotten Son, so that God beholds that image in all His children.Lt 30a, 1892, par. 4–7 Those who have the Lord for their God are happy and blessed, with precious treasures of the Lord's love opened before them, loved with a love greater than any language can express, enfolded in the arms of His love, and rejoiced over.Lt 30a, 1892, par. 4–7 When Christ dwells in a person that person represents Him and life expresses love for Jesus in character, words, and conduct, accompanied by the Spirit's witness that they are God's children.15MR 267.2

God's purpose is to conform His servants day by day to the image of Christ, making them partakers of the divine nature.8T 186.1–2 Through this growth He prepares them to bear abundant fruit and become trustworthy missionaries.8T 186.1–2 As the great Husbandman He makes everything in the lives of those laboring together with Christ serve growth and fruitbearing through actual gospel experience, shaping them after the divine likeness rather than human ideas as each worker follows God as Leader and gains an individual experience with Him.AA 401.2–3

Those who receive Christ and believe in Him become spiritual children of God adopted into the royal family, and as they seek to do the will of God they become conformed into His image and made like Him in character.Lt 264, 1903, par. 16+1 Those who are true and faithful express His image and serve God with whole hearts and a holy spirit, clothed in righteousness.STMW11 12.2–13.1 God's people are to form their characters after the pattern of Christ Jesus, with mind and character molded after the divine Pattern, the image of God's Son.SBAWP 61.2–62.2+1

People are to be conformed to the image of Christ with Christ as pattern for character molded into His likeness as they follow His way and grow in grace and aptitude.7T 219.2 All in important positions will be tested on whether they make Christ their pattern and are conformed to His likeness, receiving wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and growth until molded after His similitude if faithful, but if they fail another spirit will control mind and judgment to plan without the Lord, leave their positions, and become a hindrance and snare.Lt 20a, 1893, par. 51–53 God's commandment-keeping people predestined to be conformed are designed to become a pure and holy people as Israel was to be in Canaan, acting heaven's principles on earth by taking heed against covetousness, selfishness, ambitious pride, unfair methods, and gaining advantage over brethren in business, with sin cleansed from the soul temple and human attributes molded after God's similitude by faith working by love purifying the soul.Ms 139, 1899, par. 17–21

Conformity is real transformation of life through God's indwelling power, not merely outward form of godliness, which people need to know by experience through the indwelling Christ.Ms 78, 1912, par. 6 This transformation comes through direct relation with God, not by surrendering mind and will to another person.CH 375.2–3 Those working with God must look away from self to Jesus and have Christ formed within as hope of glory, divested of self-complacency, giving careful attention to directions in the Word, and making earnest effort to imitate Christ as Pattern.Lt 5, 1896, par. 16 Its fulfillment is having the holiness and righteousness of the Son transcribed on the heart and expressed in life with prayer, forbearance, mercy, love, humility, and peace without stiff Pharisaism, even toward the inapproachable offended by interference with the privacy of faith.Lt 5, 1896, par. 16

Being made like Jesus is the great desire of a heart that loves Him, with eyes opened to see Christ, a changed heart, a subdued evil temper, learning free from spiritual blindness, unbelief, and Satan's tempting, moving constantly onward and upward.Ms 143, 1903, par. 16–19 It means appreciating brethren and harmonizing rather than refusing fellowship over differing views, being sanctified through truth, and needing reconversion to know in some degree the height and depth and breadth of Christ's love.Ms 143, 1903, par. 16–19 This conformity is formed through earnest day-and-night seeking moved by love and contemplation of His sacrifice softening and subduing the heart, sustained in suffering without murmuring or complaint with self dying and Jesus living within.Lt 52, 1892, par. 10–12 So living for God alone to His glory in rest, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost continues unto appearing with Christ in glory, seeing the King in His beauty, and receiving life measuring with the life of God.Lt 52, 1892, par. 10–12