3:182 Corinthians 3:18

Gazing with unveiled face at the Lord's glory transforms the believer into that same likeness, advancing step by step from one measure of glory to another by the work of the Spirit.HSP 14.4+2 The glory to be gazed upon is character, the mercy, goodness, truth, forgiveness and love of God seen in Christ and His law, not outward beauty of form.HSP 14.4+2 The mirror in which it is seen is the gospel and Word of God, which reveals that glory and exposes defects of character.Lt 300, 1907, par. 8–9+2 This gazing is done by steadfast living faith that fixes mind and eyes on Christ, contemplates His love, perfection and sacrifice, and turns away from self, others and doubts to look wholly to Him.12MR 55.3+2 The change cannot be produced by human effort or intellect, but the Holy Spirit molds heart and mind and restores the moral image in those who daily submit, die to self, and cooperate in prayer and obedience.RH Jan 2, 1913+2

The glory to be beheld is character, the character of Christ and of God as mercy, graciousness, longsuffering, goodness, truth, forgiveness and love.Lt 300, 1907, par. 8–9+2 It is seen in His law and in Christ full of grace and truth, and it is virtue of character such as obedience, integrity, tenderness, patience, compassion and self-sacrifice.Lt 300, 1907, par. 8–9+2 It is not outward beauty of form, but excellence of character to be shared and reflected.ST Jul 10, 1893+1 Beholding that glory with unveiled face changes the beholder into the same image, progressively from glory to glory by the Spirit, restoring God's image and bringing a new principle of life.HSP 14.4+3

The glass or mirror is the gospel and the Word of God, which fully reveals the glory of the Lord and reveals what God is like and what being made in His likeness means.Lt 300, 1907, par. 8–9+2 It is a mirror that shows the converted soul where life fails to manifest its principles, detecting defects of character so that by earnest prayer and faith they are put away.ST Feb 24, 1909+2 The law is a mirror to seek inward adornment and meet the standard and perfection God requires.ST Feb 24, 1909+1 Divine truth is also reflected as in a mirror in nature and creation when rightly studied, and beholding is done by reading about Him in God's Word, dwelling daily on the traits of His character and the meaning of His words, studying His life, mission, sacrifice and mediatorial work as daily bread.Ms 111, 1909, par. 10+3

The open face means without the veil that hides the end of that which was to be abolished, which was glorious because it foreshadowed Christ.Lt 52, 1908, par. 9–12+1 The Jewish economy must never be called an age of darkness, for Christ stood revealed in all its symbols, gave every specification of its rites, and is seen in its divine arrangement, order, discipline and worship.Ms 51, 1890, par. 33–37 Type met antitype in His life and death, and beholding that fulfilled glory transforms with a zeal, unity and spirituality exceeding that of the Jewish church because the light of the reality is greater.Ms 51, 1890, par. 33–37 Through Christ the hidden glory of the holy of holies stands revealed, the veil is rent, the mercy seat upon which the glory of God rested is opened to all who accept Him as propitiation, partition walls are broken down, the handwriting of ordinances is canceled, and through faith Jew and Gentile may partake of the living bread and be brought into fellowship with God.Lt 230, 1907, par. 17–20+1

From glory to glory means from character to character, from one degree, stage, strength and level of glory, grace, light and character to another.Ms 3, 1889, par. 1–2+4 It is continual progressive growth step by step, going forward in all simplicity when the eye is kept single to the glory of God.Lt 108, 1899, par. 15+1 Looking earnestly to Jesus with open hearts brings humility, draws nearer to God, makes the view of Christ clearer, and never leaves love behind, with courage, hope and love replacing hopelessness and gloom.Ms 3, 1889, par. 1–2+1 Those who contemplate God's love and promises given freely to those with no merit, who depend fully, gratefully, rejoicingly on the righteousness provided in Christ and come in His appointed way, are freely heard and morally assimilated to the One perfect in character until His image captivates the whole being.Ms 148, 1897, par. 21–22+1

Paul wrote to settle the minds of the church at Corinth about the gospel against Judaizing teachers who caused trouble and dissension by continually presenting the virtues of the law and the ceremonies, exalting them above the gospel and condemning Paul because he did not urge ceremonies that typified Christ and were of no value since His death.10MR 328.1 The Corinthians had yet experienced only the first rays of that glory and were to keep learning to know God until they reached full maturity and fullness of gospel faith.ST Apr 14, 1914+1 Jewish people who by faith receive Christ as Redeemer and Saviour, seeing Him portrayed in the Old Testament as unlocked and explained by the New, have memory awakened to recognize and receive Him.WAJP 9.2–10.2+2 As they continue learning of Him they are changed into the same image from glory to glory by the Spirit, made partakers of the divine nature with the image of divinity stamped on the soul, until they attain the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.WAJP 9.2–10.2+2

Before sin humanity in Eden in complete perfect manhood beheld the Lord directly with unveiled face in open fellowship, and had no need of prophecy by dreams and visions.LS 336.3–337.1+1 After transgression separated humanity from God's visible presence and brought moral darkness, that light was needed and remains needed.LS 336.3–337.1+1 At the restitution when the redeemed walk and talk with God and Christ and angels in Eden restored, prophecy will cease again.LS 336.3–337.1+1

The One beheld in the verse is Christ Himself in His life, love, matchless charms, compassion, humiliation, sufferings and infinite sacrifice.HSP 14.4+4 He is altogether lovely and chiefest among ten thousand, the brightness of the Father's glory in whom dwells all the fullness of the Godhead, so that to see Him is to see the Father.HSP 14.4+4 With unveiled face beholding His glory as in a mirror changes the beholder into the same image, progressively from glory to glory by the Spirit.HSP 14.4+4 That change restores God's image in humanity, brings a new principle of life, moves from one stage and degree of character to another, and goes forward in all simplicity when the eye is kept single to the glory of God.HSP 14.4+4 Continually beholding the excellence of His character through the Spirit changes into His likeness, keeps from separation so that nothing can take the beholder from His hand except chosen turning away, enables sharing His blessings, and empowers meek and humble ministers to leave impressions of eternal benefit and lead others to follow Him.ST Jul 10, 1893+2

Beholding centers on His human life of perfect obedience with no defect in character, holy integrity and unwavering adherence to right amid corruption.Ms 99, 1902, par. 39+2 It centers on His life of self-denial and sacrifice to minister truth to the world, working as He worked and praying as He prayed.ST Jan 16, 1896+3 It centers especially on His suffering and love at the cross as the Lamb who takes away sin, where the sinner sees His self-sacrifice.RH Jan 7, 1902+2 Looking to Jesus there teaches meekness and lowliness, breaks selfishness, reveals faults and weaknesses, moves to hate the sin that caused His suffering, leads to repentance, surrender and belief, and changes into His likeness.RH Jan 7, 1902+2 The more closely He is beheld the more nearly beholders resemble Him in character, with greater efficiency in working for others, lifting above trials and perplexities, shining as true witnesses with increasing integrity and loyalty as unbelief and apostasy increase, and partaking of His glory as they partake of His sufferings through the fight of faith clad in the armor of His righteousness, doing only what the Father shows as He did.Ms 99, 1902, par. 39+2

Beholding gives the knowledge of God as revealed in Christ, which all who are saved must have.8T 289.2–3+2 That knowledge is God shining in the heart to give the light of the knowledge of His glory in the face of Jesus Christ, and as Scripture reveals His character in perfect fullness, looking to Him brings healing, faith, love and holiness.8T 289.2–3+4 Received into the soul it works transformation of character, re-creates the soul in the image of God, and imparts divine spiritual power to the whole being.8T 289.2–3+2 It secures perfect pardon of all transgressions through faith in Jesus Christ, and contemplating His pardoning love and example carries believers onward and upward step by step from one degree of conformity to His image to another, from glory to glory, from strength to strength, until the full stature of His likeness.8T 289.2–3+2 That contemplation produces thankful love to Jesus as personal Saviour, love for His law, and willing obedience to every precept of God's holy law implanted in the heart by the Holy Spirit.Lt 51a, 1894, par. 3–4

Beholding is done steadfastly, constantly and earnestly with open face by living faith, fixing the eyes and mind on Christ and heavenly things, contemplating His love, perfection, grace and sacrifice, talking of Him, keeping His image before the mind, praying much and looking wholly to Jesus rather than at self, others or doubts.12MR 55.3+4 Beholding with the eye of faith discerns the glory of the character of Christ, and the beholder sees no glory in self because the glory of the Redeemer is reflected into mind and heart.Ms 64, 1895, par. 11–12+1 Perpetually looking unto Jesus assimilates the human by the divine and changes the believer into His likeness, from character to character, which neither natural reason nor intellect nor great knowledge can behold or comprehend until the Holy Spirit imparts discernment and God communicates light.Ms 148, 1897, par. 21–22+1 By looking constantly to Jesus and keeping Him ever in view, pressing close to His side and holding communion with Him as Alpha and Omega in whom dwells all fullness of the Godhead and are hidden all treasures of wisdom and knowledge, believers taste communion with a risen, ascended Saviour and cherish a holy desire to live His life.Lt 47, 1903, par. 20–22+1 Through that transforming power His words are engraved on the tablets of the soul, heart and life are changed to become like Him, and believers become His witnesses who represent Him in daily life, which alone is true religious life and the forming of Christlike character.Lt 47, 1903, par. 20–22+1 The change comes by ceasing to look at the hearts of others and looking wholly to Jesus, dwelling on Christ in thought, talking of Jesus, beholding Him by the eye of faith, keeping conversation holy, and cherishing the image of Christ until it captivates the whole being and morally assimilates to the One perfect in character through His imputed righteousness.12MR 55.3+2

Beholding is done by earnest daily study of Scripture as the standard, digging for truth as for hidden treasure, appropriating it to character, meditating on Christ's words, methods and lessons, secret continual prayer, and obedience to lessons learned, without which they are useless.12MR 55.3+4 The mirror is the gospel and the Word of God, which fully reveals the glory of the Lord as the character of God in love, honor, perfection, justice, goodness and benevolence seen in the perfect character of Christ, showing the converted soul what God is like, what being made in His image means, and what may be become by constantly beholding and yielding to be changed.Lt 300, 1907, par. 8–9+2 By earnest daily study believers see Him as He is, and charmed by His divine perfection grow into His likeness step by step along the path to holiness through power the Holy Spirit imparts to weed every questionable thing out of life.Lt 300, 1907, par. 8–9+2 The same mirror detects defects and shows where lives fail to manifest its principles, and as believers strive for the perfection God requires and by earnest prayer and faith put away defects, the human will is molded without conscious awareness to the divine will into conformity to His Spirit.ST Feb 24, 1909+1 This beholding is a daily need like the Bread of Life, dwelling on the traits of His character and the meaning of His words until understanding grows clearer; studying His life, character, mission, sacrifice and mediatorial work reveals faults and leads to surrender, and the work of learning and being changed continues through life, for the themes of redemption are inexhaustible and will occupy the redeemed through eternity.Ms 111, 1909, par. 10+2

Beholding is kept up by turning from self, personal shortcomings, human models and flattery of people, refusing to look at Satan's hellish shadow, closing windows earthward against disagreeable things, evil talk, doubts and others' defects, and opening windows heavenward to what is cheerful, pure and uplifting.Ms 42, 1890, par. 101–105+4 Transformation comes by constantly keeping Jesus the Pattern before the mind, studying His life, character and manner of teaching, learning in His school, practicing His ways and catching His Spirit as He did what the Father did, rather than studying other men's ways, attitudes, manners of teaching and address.Ms 42, 1890, par. 101–105+1 Turning attention to self and exalting one's own wisdom keeps from reflecting His character, and turning the eye from self to Jesus and considering His matchless love is safety.Lt 191, 1901, par. 4+2 It is kept up by refusing to look at or talk about Satan's hellish shadow and power when it falls across the pathway but cleaving straight through to take hold of Christ, talking faith and never speaking doubt, for every doubt expressed sows seed that takes root and praises the devil for power to keep souls in subjection, while talking faith holds to Christ who has purchased and redeemed.Ms 42, 1890, par. 101–105+1 What the mind dwells on shapes soul and then words and actions, so if fastened on the most disagreeable things it brings a disagreeable atmosphere and makes the person disagreeable, which is Satan's purpose; therefore windows earthward are to be closed against dwelling on disagreeable chapters of experience and evil talk, and windows heavenward opened to the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness, dwelling on what is cheerful and uplifting in the Scriptures with mind as though God is by the side longing to give grace and help, grasped by living faith with resolve to overcome.Ms 13, 1894, par. 21–22+1

Beholding continues in trial, pain and wakeful nights by looking to Jesus as touched with infirmity and made perfect through suffering, in daily companionship with Him as constant Guest, in personal communion above fogs and clouds, and by drinking the water of life and eating the Bread of life rather than dwelling on darkness.Lt 49, 1897, par. 10–11+3 With open face beholding by faith His perfection, glory and lovingkindness, not content with occasional flashes of light, the believer reflects His image and is transformed from one degree of glory and character to another, rising to become a child of God and heir of heaven and partaker of the divine nature.Lt 49, 1897, par. 10–11+2 In trial, pain and wakeful nights turning to the Sun of Righteousness looks to Jesus as touched with feeling of infirmities, made perfect through suffering in humanity, knowing what is needed and bearable and giving grace to endure, pardoning sins, sanctifying the soul, sustaining by grace, giving deeper spirituality, vigor in the Christian life, greater nearness to God and ever-present help in need.Lt 83, 1894, par. 13+1 The change requires preparing the heart, cherishing heaven within, clearing out selfishness so Christ can transform, making religion and daily business one life, and those who trust fully are tested and tried until the superscription of God is placed upon them and His strength is made perfect in weakness, hardship removing what is rough and imperfect to prepare to shine like polished stones.Lt 49, 1897, par. 10–11+1 This beholding must be the great aim and constant endeavor of all who would have a home in the heavenly courts, pursued in home life and in Christ's school, giving victory through grace and through the blood of the Lamb and the word of testimony with purity and beauty of holiness, supplying day by day strength above cheap commonness to carry forward His work in simplicity of true faith, while self becomes small and Jesus' fullness, strength, beauty and loveliness become more visible in growing heavenly-mindedness.Lt 21, 1910, par. 10–11+2

Sympathy with the world's customs, beholding evil and temporal things, and making self the highest ideal act as a veil that hides His glory and degrades character toward the earthly and satanic until once-loathed sin becomes pleasant, while beholding what is divine transforms toward the divine.ST May 8, 1884+3 It is a law of intellectual, spiritual and moral nature that the mind gradually adapts to subjects it dwells upon and becomes assimilated to what it loves and reverences, never rising higher than its standard of purity or goodness or truth.ST May 8, 1884+2 If self is the loftiest ideal nothing more exalted is ever attained and the course is constantly lower, and left to self the course must inevitably be downward, for the grace of God alone has power to exalt.GC88 555.2 Dwelling on the wrongs, faults, mistakes, imperfections and moral deformities of others changes the dweller into that same faulty, deformed likeness, making character deformed and mind one-sided and unbalanced, so Christ is to be beheld as the Example instead.Lt 23a, 1893, par. 32–33+3 Sympathy with the world's customs and practices acts as a veil hiding His glory, while keeping eyes fixed on God turns attention from worldly things, and turning from human imperfections to look to Jesus fixed upon as a mirror reflecting God's glory brings divine transformation step by step to higher glory by the Spirit, so His Spirit takes possession of mind and character to represent Christ in piety, words, actions and spiritual activity.Lt 74, 1897, par. 2+1

Studying God's handiwork in nature beholds His glory and imperceptibly changes the beholder into the same image.Ms 85, 1908, par. 16–17

The change into the same image cannot be produced by human power, effort, intellect, natural reason, resolutions, or great knowledge, but is worked by the Holy Spirit, the Comforter sent into the world, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.RH Jan 2, 1913+3 To be sanctified in this sense is to become a partaker of the divine nature, catching the spirit and mind of Jesus in His school, with character made like His.RH Jan 2, 1913+2 The glory beheld is veiled and shrouded in mystery until the Holy Spirit imparts discernment to the soul and God communicates light, for the spiritual eye alone discerns the glory of Christ's character and the beholder then sees no glory in self because the Redeemer's glory is reflected into mind and heart.Ms 64, 1895, par. 11–12+1 The Spirit brings liberty and freedom from sin's condemnation, molds and fashions heart and mind, restores the moral image, impresses Christ's likeness on the obedient, and never leads God's children astray, so that through the power He imparts every questionable thing can be weeded out of life.RH Jan 2, 1913+2 When the work is accomplished the beholder reflects as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, so that one looking at him sees Christ's own character shining out, changed imperceptibly and unconsciously day by day from his own ways and will into the ways and will of Christ, into the loveliness of His character, growing up into Christ, as he leaves the darkness that lack of faith wraps around the soul and stands where the clear shining of God's word falls fully, led step by step in the path to holiness.RH Jan 2, 1913+3

It is a law of the intellectual, spiritual and moral nature that beholding changes the beholder into the same image.Lt 23a, 1893, par. 32–33+3 The mind gradually adapts itself to the subjects it is allowed to dwell upon with sustained attention and becomes assimilated to what it loves and reverences, never rising higher than its standard of purity or goodness or truth.GC88 555.2+1 If self is made the loftiest ideal nothing more exalted is ever attained and the course is constantly lower, for grace alone has power to exalt and left to self the course must inevitably be downward.GC88 555.2 Dwelling on the wrongs, faults, mistakes, errors, imperfections and moral deformities of others, in criticism and condemnation, changes a person into that same faulty, deformed likeness, making character deformed and the mind one-sided and unbalanced.Lt 23a, 1893, par. 32–33+3 Dwelling on the perfect life of Christ, centering thoughts on Him, looking wholly to Jesus by the eye of faith, talking of Jesus and of heavenly themes with holy conversation, transforms into His likeness with ever-increasing glory from character to character by the Spirit of the Lord, which is escaping the corruption in the world through lust and sharing the divine nature, while looking upon evil degrades those formed in God's image toward what is brutal and satanic, moving the mind step by step from purity and holiness to depravity, corruption and crime until sin once loathed becomes pleasant.Lt 23a, 1893, par. 32–33+3 Keeping the change on the upward side requires ceasing to look at the hearts of others, watching and praying, guarding the heart as a citadel, maintaining constant war against the carnal mind, and receiving the refining influence of grace that draws the mind upward and trains it to dwell on pure and holy things, so that His Spirit takes possession of mind and character and the person represents Christ in piety and godliness, in words and actions, and in spiritual activity for truth and righteousness.Lt 23a, 1893, par. 32–33+2

The change requires an abiding Christ rather than fitful service, learning of Jesus and copying His meekness and lowliness of heart, hiding individual self in God and having confidence in God instead of censuring others when in trouble, for God does not expect impossibilities but beholding Him makes being changed into His image possible.Lt 102, 1899, par. 3+2 It requires constantly submitting will, way, plans and ideas to God's will and way, making God all and in all instead of resting in self, not dwelling on the dark side, and not clinging to own ways, which is transformation by the renewing of the mind to prove the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, received according to faith by expecting much from God.Lt 57, 1887, par. 2–4 It means conquering besetting sins, overcoming evil habits, rooting out wrong dispositions and feelings, and having holy tempers and emotions created by the Spirit, becoming complete in good work and conformed to the divine will in character, ways and manners, with God working in the heart to will and to do of His good pleasure only as self with its affections and lusts is crucified at every step, needing more of Christ and less of self, with constant faith, trust, prayer and cooperation with God.Lt 57, 1887, par. 2–4 When one is fully emptied of self and self-sufficiency and every false god is cast out of the soul, confessing sin, humbling the heart and dying daily to self, the vacuum is supplied by the inflowing of the Spirit of Christ, creating a new spiritual life and supplying a new motive-power, giving faith which works by love and purifies the soul from every moral and spiritual defilement so that Christ is all in all.STOM 37.2–38.1+1 Such a one is one with Christ, has the mind of Christ and works the works of Christ, ever improving, ever drawing nearer to God, ever uplifting the soul to Jesus, is after the Spirit and minds the things of the Spirit, has no confidence in self, receives truth constantly unfolded by the Holy Spirit, and bears the fruits of righteousness to God's glory — love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance — as a branch of the True Vine with Christ in him as a well of water springing up into everlasting life, ennobled and refined, an earnest laborer together with God bringing forth pure and sacred things from the treasury of the heart.STOM 37.2–38.1+1

The change is daily, progressive and continuing, moving from one stage, degree and level of character, strength and spiritual growth to another, from glory to glory, when the eye is kept single to the glory of God.RH Jan 2, 1913+2 It goes forward in all simplicity as believing hearts receive the light they can bear, with Christ's character formed within and shown in spirit, words and service to others, overcoming natural traits of character by the power of God's Word revealed in a life shaped by God's will.Lt 108, 1899, par. 15+2 The sinner who beholds Jesus is lifted from the dust to become a child of God and an heir of heaven, arrayed in garments of light and made a partaker of the divine nature, and at every step of advance new beauties are seen in Christ and character becomes more like His.Ms 20, 1892, par. 25–26+1 It requires giving Jesus the heart's best affections after repentance and pardon, following on to know the Lord, longing for a fuller sense of His love toward the full noontide of perfect faith, growing up into Christ imperceptibly and unconsciously day by day.RH Jan 2, 1913

The change comes through union with Christ and living connection between earth and heaven, receiving Him with open heart, abiding in Him, continuing to learn from Him, and yielding to the Spirit whose enlightenment lets His glory be seen as faith turns from shortcomings to the atonement.Ms 64, 1894, par. 18+2 One united to Christ looks steadily to Him as the all-perfect Pattern and is transformed into His likeness in ever-increasing glory, which writes God's purity, forbearance, mercy and righteousness in the heart and shows them in the life, restores allegiance to the Creator, plants love for God and His holy law, stamps the image of divinity on the soul, and belongs to those gathered as one flock under one Shepherd in oneness of mind and judgment for united service, growing toward the full stature of Christ.Ms 64, 1894, par. 18+1 Fixing the eyes upon Jesus through the influence of the Holy Spirit upon the soul fashions after God's own image, which Jesus gave His life to make possible, and joined with putting on Christ's yoke and learning His meekness and lowliness fits for caring for the spiritual health of the church and for great and noble deeds.STBk 48.2+1 When truth converts to humble submission like a little child, bowed in reverence to Jesus Christ and omnipotent power in heart, mind, strength and soul, born again with mercy and God's love as controlling power, beholding His grace and glory and one's own littleness in contrast does not overwhelm but changes while beholding and impresses the mind with He is my salvation and covering, and as people give themselves to Christ He molds and fashions them after the divine likeness without compulsion or violence, conforming the human will to God's will by taking the things of God and showing them, creating the soul anew by bringing light out of darkness, love out of enmity and purity out of impurity, which only Omnipotence can do, until beholding the beauty of the Saviour's character they grow more and more like Him until complete in Him with perfected character and real fruits that bear witness to divine life and the genuine instincts of the newborn soul.18MR 127.3–128.1+1 This mighty change is the science of eternity and must be wrought in the life of everyone who passes through the gates of the city of God, producing cheerfulness without jesting, trifling or idle talk, showing forth praise to God, honoring God and truth, and keeping sacred things from being brought down to common level, whereas a minister who after preaching engages in frivolous conversation counteracts his words, dishonors God, makes truth of heavenly origin of no effect, and proves disunion from Christ.STBk 48.2+1

The change happens through proving and trial in this life, for God tries every soul as gold is tried in the furnace until dross and tin are consumed and His image is reflected as in a mirror.Lt 21a, 1892, par. 2–4+1 Trials remove earthliness so that Christ's image may be fully revealed, and therefore trial is not cause for discouragement but what increases confidence in God.Lt 21a, 1892, par. 2–4+1 A glimpse of God's light is not enough: believers must keep eyes fixed on Christ and think of His purity, glory and love with clear, sanctified vision, walking by faith, or doubts and worldly thoughts will take hold, while affliction met with humble heart-searching and persistent effort purifies character like gold though intensely painful, proves faithful workers, leads toward eternal glory, brings victory in continuing advance from strength to strength and from glory to glory, and decides whether persons will be worthy to be counted among the Lord's family in the mansions above, made one with Christ as He is one with the Father.Lt 21a, 1892, par. 2–4+3

Beholding the Lord's glory with unveiled face changes believers into the same image and likeness of Christ from glory to glory by the Spirit of the Lord, restoring the divine and moral image in progressive sanctification.HSP 14.4+4 This beholding is the knowledge of God as revealed in Christ which all who are saved must have, and received it re-creates the soul in the image of God and imparts divine spiritual power to the whole being with a new principle of life.HSP 14.4+2 The mirror is the gospel and the Word of God which fully reveals the Lord's glory and the character of God to the converted soul, with the likeness of God shown in the perfect character of His Son to show what being made in the image of God means and what people may become by constantly beholding.Lt 300, 1907, par. 8–9 The change is step by step along the path to holiness through power the Holy Spirit imparts to weed every questionable thing out of life, received by coming out of darkness of unbelief into the clear shining light of God's Word, and it cannot be worked by human power or effort but by the Holy Spirit sent as Comforter.RH Jan 2, 1913+1 Imperceptibly and unconsciously day by day the beholder is changed from his own ways and will into the ways and will of Christ, into the loveliness of His character, growing up into Christ in the school of Christ as partaker of the divine nature.RH Jan 2, 1913

When the work is accomplished the beholder reflects as in a mirror the glory of the Lord so that one looking at him sees Christ's own character shining out.RH Jan 2, 1913+1 Those who receive light are to reflect it to others as the light of the world amid moral darkness, as lights diffusing truth, with lifting up Christ the Saviour before the people rather than exalting men in positions of influence.Ms 107, 1898, par. 15+1 Keeping the eyes fixed on Jesus with self counted as nothing changes from character to character by wearing His yoke and constantly seeing new beauty in the Saviour, thinking and speaking of Jesus and reaching forward for more distinct views of the One in whom all hopes of eternal life are centered, permitting nothing to eclipse that view.7MR 149.4–150.1 The one who thus draws nigh catches the divine rays of light from the Sun of Righteousness and cannot help shining, revealing Christ to the world without trying to shine, walking with God as Enoch did, changed in mind and heart to shine without superficial effort.7MR 149.4–150.1+1

The change appears in the countenance with cheerfulness taking the place of gloom and sullenness, proving that those the Son makes free are free indeed, with living under the light of Christ's countenance brightening life and beautifying actions.Lt 43, 1902, par. 15+1 Looking to Jesus and catching the light of His countenance and righteousness makes consistent Christians who wear the beauty of His heavenly character in home life, as loving, lovable Christians whose life is the most powerful argument for truth, with deformity removed, speech made sound to speak God's praise, experience as clear as sunlight, and the heart filled with joy expressing itself in grateful service as saturated daily with holy oil.Lt 145a, 1902, par. 5–6+1 Enoch shows this progressive change by steadfast communion through constant earnest prayer amid daily duties and withdrawn solitude, coming more and more to reflect the divine image with face radiant with holy light, even the light shining in the face of Jesus, so the ungodly beheld with awe the impress of heaven while over centuries faith waxed stronger and love more ardent until prayer became as breath in the atmosphere of heaven.GW 52.2–3 At deliverance in the time of trouble God's people reflect Jesus' image and share His glory with faces lighted up and brightened by that reflected image, and the glory resting on them is beyond what their enemies can endure.SG4 269.1–2+1

The transformed character conquers besetting sins, overcomes evil habits, roots out wrong dispositions and feelings, and has holy tempers created by the Spirit, becoming complete in good work and conformed to the divine will in character, ways and manners.Lt 57, 1887, par. 2–4+1 This change removes natural tendencies and produces patience, kindness, forbearance, compassion, mercy, tenderheartedness, humility, love and firmness in principle, with calm self-controlled speech free from coarseness, harshness and criticism, and with victory over inherited and cultivated tendencies, pride, unbelief and selfishness.Lt 57, 1887, par. 2–4+1 Those one with Christ have the mind of Christ and work the works of Christ, ever improving and drawing nearer to God, with new spiritual life and new motive-power supplied when fully emptied of self and every false god is cast out so the vacuum is supplied by the inflowing of the Spirit of Christ.STOM 37.2–38.1+1 Such bear the fruits of righteousness to God's glory — love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance — as a branch of the True Vine with Christ as a well of water springing to everlasting life, imitating His self-sacrificing life and accepting devotion, trials and self-denial for His sake in obedience as Christ lived the law in humanity.ST Jul 8, 1897+2

The more closely Christ is viewed in His purity and loveliness with penitence and humble trust, the more the soul sees its own deformity, poverty and insignificance, with sin appearing more sinful and creature merit sinking into insignificance while admiration and desire to be like Him grow.7MR 153.3–154.1+2 This brings contrition, self-abasement, and dependence on His merits rather than claiming righteousness, ending striving for mastery, recognition and vanity, with self dying and pride humbled as Christ's image is formed more deeply within.7MR 153.3–154.1+2 Without diligently seeking heavenly anointing people cannot see Jesus nor their own defects, remaining self-satisfied and uplifting self unto vanity, clothed in self-righteousness, having only a name to live without life from God.7MR 153.3–154.1 By beholding the beholder becomes more attracted, more charmed and more desirous to be like Jesus until assimilated to His image with the mind of Christ, walking with God with mind full of thoughts of Jesus as best friend.Ms 24, 1888, par. 25–30+1

Beholding Jesus turns fear into joy and doubt into hope, and awakens gratitude and love, breaking self-seeking and leading to willing service and endurance of trial.DA 439.3 Only as Jesus is beheld at the altar where divine fire is kindled does desire to be like Him arise, and only as His righteousness is viewed does hunger and thirst to possess it arise, which earnest prayer obtains, with meditation on His love, humiliation, sufferings and sacrifice producing self-denial and sacrifice for others and strengthening faith to hate sin.ST Feb 6, 1893+2 Looking to Jesus gives brighter and more distinct views of God, enlarges capacity for knowing Him, brings deeper fellowship with the heavenly world, and gives increasing power to receive riches of eternal knowledge and wisdom, developing a character that is the counterpart of the divine where goodness and love become natural instinct.ST May 28, 1902 The truth improves all it touches and binds together people of different dispositions, mingling through life like silken threads to bear the impress of divinity.Lt 43, 1902, par. 15

The change is genuine sanctification and complete moral renewal wrought by the Spirit, a constant daily growth into holiness and conformity to God's will in thought and feeling, fitting character for heaven.RH Jan 2, 1913+2 Glory means character, so truth of heavenly origin by its elevating, ennobling, sanctifying, refining influence changes people more and more like Jesus through sanctification of the truth from character to character, marching step by step with the Leader who is Light, Truth and Life.Ms 36, 1891, par. 29–30+1 Dwelling on the perfect life of Christ, centering thoughts on Him and speaking on heavenly themes, transforms into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which is escaping corruption through lust and sharing the divine nature, while dwelling on others' imperfections and deformities changes into that same deformed, one-sided likeness.ST May 8, 1884 This learning from Christ grows as sanctification and sharing in the divine nature, expressed in obedience to the truth.Ms 38, 1899, par. 1–2+1

The sinner beholding Jesus is lifted from the dust to become a child of God and an heir of heaven, arrayed in garments of light and made a partaker of the divine nature, with power to become sons of God.Ms 20, 1892, par. 25–26+2 Taking Him as personal Saviour gives boldness to approach the throne of grace, and by receiving His imputed righteousness through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit believers are morally assimilated to the One perfect in character, cherishing the image of Christ until it captivates the whole being.12MR 55.3+1 The verse means more than forgiveness on repentance and confession; the sinner becomes a member of the royal family, an heir of God and joint-heir with Christ to an immortal inheritance, with Satan's power broken and man brought into sacred unity, made one with Him and completely identified with Him.Lt 63, 1905, par. 9–10 The change is progressive, for at every step of advance new beauties are seen in Christ and character becomes more like His, by studying His life as given in His Word and digging for truth as for hidden treasure with eyes fixed upon Christ.12MR 55.3+2

Ministers must keep their eyes fixed on Christ the Pattern, continually studying His life, character and manner of teaching, learning in His school, practicing His ways and catching His Spirit just as He did what He saw the Father do, rather than studying and copying other men's ways, attitudes, manners of teaching and address, for only so is there power and efficiency without imperfection in the work.Ms 42, 1890, par. 101–105+2 Meek and humble ministers who continually behold the excellence of Christ's character are changed by the Spirit from one degree of glory to another, fastened to Christ and bearing His stamp, and they leave impressions of eternal benefit that go deeper into minds and change souls after His likeness.Ms 42, 1890, par. 101–105+2 God's workers are to become like Christ by close faithful contemplation in living faith and prayer, revealing God by living His law in clean untainted character and uncorrupted influence, shining amid moral darkness so that the grace of Christ becomes persuasive and leads others to follow Him.ST Jul 10, 1893+2 The opposite law also holds, that contemplating Satan and his works and talking of his power and praising him throws his hellish shadow before the soul and eclipses the bright attractions of the eternal world.Ms 42, 1890, par. 101–105

For teachers, considering and dwelling upon Christ's words, life and methods as the Prince of teachers until the Spirit of the divine Teacher takes possession of heart and life is the highest preparation for teaching work, supplying strength and guidance no human source can supply, and reflecting Christ in this way is the secret of power over pupils.ED 282.5–7+1 Instructors must keep Christ as the great standard and fountain of wisdom who makes no mistake, first learning in His school in order to lead others to Him, digging for truth as treasure until filled with His Spirit and appreciating the originality, authority, spirituality, tenderness, benevolence and practicality of His teachings.Lt 242, 1907, par. 7+1 The teacher's Christlike conduct and self-discipline shaped after the divine likeness molds pupils after that Pattern, awakens their moral nature and inspires them to respond to divine agencies.RH Mar 12, 1908+1

Beholding must be the great aim and constant endeavor of all who would have a home in the heavenly courts, pursued now in home life and in Christ's school by parents with their children and by teachers with students, removing sin from the soul and defects from the character through a lifework of overcoming until believers stand faultless with not a spot or wrinkle, while Satan multiplies temptations to obtain the victory.Lt 21, 1910, par. 10–11 Making Christ first and last and best in everything and looking to Him continually transforms beholders into His likeness with ever-increasing glory from character to character by the Spirit, and as love and faith submitted to the test of trial grow daily deeper and stronger, love between husband and wife also grows deeper and stronger after heaven's order.7T 45.5–46.1+1 Mothers keeping eyes on Christ foster the divine likeness in children, and youth are changed not by natural ability but by Christ molding the heart, as prepared hearts cherish heaven within, clear out selfishness, humble self in sanctified cooperation with God, make religion and daily business one life, and receive Christ's strength made perfect in weakness until God's superscription is placed upon them to represent His character and fit them for usefulness here and preparation for the future life.Lt 57, 1902, par. 4–6+3

Efficiency in medical missionary work lies in pointing sin-sick sufferers to the Man of Calvary, keeping Christ the Great Physician constantly before those discouraged by disease of body and soul as altogether lovely and chiefest among ten thousand, touched with the feeling of their infirmities and giving His life to make eternal life possible, so that when the sick and suffering look to Jesus and hear of His love and power to save both physical and spiritual disease they live and are transformed into His likeness.CH 572.2+1 Young men and women being educated as nurses and physicians must keep close to Jesus and behold Him in living experience, for theoretical knowledge of truth cannot save, but knowing by experience how sinful sin is and how much Jesus is needed as a personal Saviour makes them sons and daughters of God whose only merit is great need, circumspect in behavior and trained not for courtship or marriage but for the marriage of Christ, so that their work becomes precious as fine gold.STB 672.5+2 In sanitariums and healing institutions character is to be formed after the divine similitude by workers who give that right mold to the work, and transforming grace thus brings health and converts sinners.CH 572.2+1

God chooses men and women for His service not by learning or eloquence or worldly wealth but by humility that lets Him teach them His way, put His words into their lips, put His Spirit into the soul temple to change the life, and make them His representatives bearing as credentials the ineffaceable characteristics of His immortal principles, using every person just in proportion as He can do this.STB 176.3–4 Earnest workers behold the Saviour instead of dwelling on the defects of others, taking Him as the example to be followed in character-building because His life plainly revealed the divine nature, striving to be perfect in the human sphere as He was perfect in His sphere, placing themselves under the molding influence of the Holy Spirit to form a character that is a reflection of the divine character.8T 86.2+1 Every teacher of truth is to keep beholding Him with open face until changed into the same image from glory to glory, leaving darkness for the glorious light of the Sun of Righteousness, delighting in God's law inwardly, valuing those He purchased, keeping the way of the Lord and keeping covetousness out of work in God's institutions so as to bear no false witness as Christians, and thus reflecting Christ, sharing what has been received, revealing God, and withstanding Satan's assaults in responsible positions.Lt 6, 1899, par. 22–23+3

Those who receive the seal of the living God must fully reflect the image of Jesus, for only that likeness fits them to live in the sight of the Lord without a High Priest in the sanctuary and to be protected through the time of trouble.CET 112.2+3 The preparation must be made in this life in order to see God's face in the world to come.CET 112.2+1 Those who are preparing for translation to the heavenly world receive the impress of the divine image by improving present opportunities for divine progress, with their conversation in heaven, looking for the Lord Jesus and acknowledging Him as Giver of every good and perfect gift and Author of all blessings in whom the hope of eternal life is centered.Ms 127, 1907, par. 24–25 They are aided by angels of heaven who take note of all works and watch to minister to needs, with all heaven standing ready with intensity of spirit to lend aid.Ms 127, 1907, par. 24–25 At their deliverance His glory rests upon the righteous so brightly that their enemies cannot endure it.1T 354.1

Seeing Jesus here by faith changes the beholder into His divine image, and reflecting that image now is what makes it possible to see Him face to face in the life to come.EW 32.1+2 Beholding means fixing the mind firmly upon Jesus and heavenly things and being true to the promptings of the Spirit, studying His life and continually abiding in Him to produce the fruits of righteousness.GW92 421.1–422.1+1 The change is progressive, going from grace to grace and from glory to glory, with present purification by everyone who has the hope of being like Christ.GW92 421.1–422.1 Faithful believers being thus changed have light resting on them until Jesus appears, when in a moment they are clothed with immortality and see Him as He is as sons of God.EW 32.1+1 Those who keep their eyes fixed on the heavenly treasure become increasingly like Christ, and this transformation prepares and fits them for translation.RH May 20, 1862+1

Christ restores in people the image of their Maker, reshaping characters ruined by sin after the pattern of His divine character and making them beautiful with His glory, a renewal which is Christ's work that none other can fashion anew.SLP 16.1+2 Through His intercession the image of God is renewed in mind and heart and character, so that those fallen by transgression of God's law put away all evil and overcome through His cleansing blood, obtain redemption through the blood of the only-begotten Son, are accepted in the Beloved, and are made like Christ in character, receiving His wisdom and His righteousness and His sanctification and His redemption.11MR 366.1 This change prepares them for the second appearing of Jesus Christ so that at His appearing they may be vindicated, if they hold the beginning of their confidence firm unto the end.11MR 366.1 The divine image lost at the fall is restored in the human soul by Christ's grace and the teaching of the Holy Spirit and develops through this life, so that the character may shine in the heavenly courts.CT 61.2+1 Under the influence of the Holy Spirit human beings reshape character to express the image of God again, restoring the moral image of God in man in contrast to Satan the destroyer, advancing the glory of God by human lips in praise and thankfulness and perpetuating the memory and name of Christ.Ms 12, 1895, par. 41 This is worked out in home missionary work that prepares children and an army for foreign fields to glorify God by putting their arms around the needy and the oppressed and the suffering, breaking every yoke and lifting up the bowed down, until at last the changed ones see Him in His beauty.Ms 12, 1895, par. 41 God's followers are thus to reveal Christ's character in their lives, so that their conduct bears witness that His suffering and death were not in vain, and building such righteous character is a lifelong work with eternal consequences in which education can help.SLP 16.1+1

Gazing on Jesus to reflect His image is connected with pressing toward the kingdom and enduring suffering with Him so as to share His glory.Lt 7, 1851, par. 7–9 Every individual must fight the good fight of faith for himself by looking to Jesus the Author and Finisher of faith, and is changed from glory to glory by the Spirit of the Lord into perfection of Christian character that fits him for the society of the saints in light.Lt 48, 1894, par. 30–33+1 Unlike ancient athletes who trained every physical power and ran at risk of life for a perishable crown without knowing whether they would win, Christians practice self-denial and endure strict spiritual discipline with a certain and encouraging prospect, not running on uncertainty and not fighting as one who beats the air, because God does not intend them to lose the race at last and miss the victor's crown.Lt 48, 1894, par. 30–33+1 Beholding Christ means copying His character here, becoming familiar with His gentleness and His lowliness, and showing by patience, kindness, and forbearance that day by day lessons are being learned to fit for the higher school.Ms 31, 1903, par. 12 The spiritual advancement made in this life by beholding is not left behind when the redeemed are called to heaven but is carried into the courts above, where learning more of God goes on, and each overcomer is assigned lot and place in heaven in accordance with that advancement when the books of heaven are opened.Ms 31, 1903, par. 12 Each person has a character to form for himself in accordance with an elevated, divine standard, because no human mold will satisfy the measurement of God who is the essence of all goodness and truth, by obtaining as fast as possible an understanding of relation to Creator and Redeemer, with daily life assimilated to the Christ-life and will and affections daily brought into subjection to the Saviour.21MR 273.4 Believers can therefore be of good courage in the Lord because the grace of Christ will perfect their characters after His own divine likeness.Lt 4, 1912, par. 7