For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Upon the foundation of Christ, we are to build. And what is it we are to build? "No ye not that ye are the temple of God." Moreover, what constitutes this building? Character, and the building of character as in any building is only as stable as the strength of the foundation, and is only as enduring as the care taken in building and the quality of the materials used.

There is only one true foundation:

Child Guidance 166

In our character building we must build on Christ. He is the sure foundation—a foundation which can never be moved. The tempest of temptation and trial cannot move the building which is riveted to the Eternal Rock.

Spalding and Magan Collection, 281

Christ has laid the only foundation on which we can safely build. "Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." Build on this foundation. On doing this depends your present peace and happiness, and your future well-being.

North Pacific Union Gleaner, March 17, 1909

The question that should come home to each of us is, "Upon what foundation am I building?" We have the privilege of striving for immortal life; and it is of the greatest importance that we dig deep, removing all the rubbish, and build on the immovable, solid Rock, Christ Jesus. He is the sure foundation. "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." In Him alone is our salvation. "There is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved."

What does it mean to build our life on Christ:

Heavenly Places, 130

We build on Christ by obeying His word. It is not he who merely enjoys righteousness, that is righteous, but he who does righteousness. Holiness is not rapture; it is the result of surrendering all to God; it is doing the will of our heavenly Father. Christ has been crucified for us. He is the propitiation for our sins. He is the atoning sacrifice, the true, immovable foundation.

Lift Him Up, 95

The great principles of the law, of the very nature of God, are embodied in the words of Christ on the mount. Whoever builds upon them is building upon Christ, the Rock of Ages. In receiving the word, we receive Christ. And only those who thus receive His words are building upon Him. "Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ" (1 Cor. 3:11). "There is none other name under heaven, given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). Christ, the Word, the revelation of God—the manifestation of His character, His law, His love, His life—is the only foundation upon which we can build a character that will endure. . . .

PH028, 8

The part man has to act in the salvation of the soul, is to believe on Jesus Christ as a perfect Redeemer, not for some other man, but for his own self. He is to trust, to love, to fear the God of heaven. There is a certain work to be accomplished. Man must be delivered from the power of sin. He must be made perfect in every good work. In doing the words of Christ is his only assurance that his house is built upon the solid foundation.

Manuscript Releases, Vol. 5, 9

Many are satisfied with the form of godliness, while denying the power thereof. They look with satisfaction in the performance of outward ceremonies, and yet there is no evidence that they are virtually connected with God. They are deceived in regard to their condition, and this deception is hard to break up. They know little of the depths of their own natural corruption, or of the infinite holiness of God. They do not realize that the foundation of all their faith and hope should only be the perfection of Jesus our surety.

The only genuine saving faith is that which lays hold upon the imputed righteousness of Christ. He is the only source of virtue, of spiritual power and life. Each must have a knowledge of God for himself, must have faith in Jesus Christ whom God hath sent. When the members of the church have this experience Christian virtues will shine forth, and they will be clothed with humility. The fruit of this faith will be love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness and goodness, and the object of their lives will be to glorify God day by day.

Psalm 18:2

The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

Rock—Figurative, a fortress. In scripture, figuratively, defense; means of safety; protection; strength a firm or immovable foundation.

Fortress—Any fortified place; a fort; a castle a strong hold a place of defense, safety security.

Deliverer—To slip out, escape; to deliver. To free; to release to rescue or save.

Strength—A rock or boulder; figurative a refuge. Power of resisting attacks. Support, that which supports; that which supplies strength.

Buckler—A shield, figurative a protector. To support or defend, a kind of shield, or defensive armor, anciently used in war. (See Ephesians 6:16.)

Salvation—Liberty, deliverance, prosperity. The act of saving; preservation from destruction, danger. In theology the redemption of man from the bondage of sin and liability to eternal death.

Hightower—A cliff (or other lofty or inaccessible place) figurative a refuge.

The Effect of Building on the Right Foundation:

2 Timothy 2:19

Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

Luke 6:47, 48

Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.

1 Corinthians 3:12

"Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble."

The Signs of the Times, June 3, 1889

We are either building upon the foundation, wood, hay, and stubble, to be consumed in the last great conflagration, and our life-work be lost; or we are building upon the true foundation, gold, silver, and precious stones, which will never perish, but shine the brighter amid the devouring elements that will try every man's work. Any unfaithfulness in spiritual and eternal things will result in loss throughout endless ages. I present these thoughts to the laymen of the church, that they may awaken to a sense of their responsibility. Work for Jesus. Put your entire interest into God's cause. Self-deception may make you feel that you are doing about right; but how does your life compare with the life of Jesus? Christ has done everything for you; He withheld not even Himself. Now show zeal and earnestness in putting all your powers to work for Him, and you will receive eternal life as your reward.

"Now if any man build upon this foundation gold,

silver, precious stones"

Proverbs 3:13–15

Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.

Psalm 19:9, 10

The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

Sketches from the Life of Paul, 155

The precious stones represent the most perfect Christians, who have been refined and polished by the grace of God, and by affliction which they have endured with much prayer and patience. Their obedience and love resemble those of the great Pattern. Their lives are beautified and ennobled by self-sacrifice. They will endure the test of the burning day, for they are living stones. "Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out."

Review and Herald, December 11, 1900

The pure doctrines that are taught in faith, the gold, silver, and precious stones that are brought to the foundation, will elevate and ennoble the receiver.

Sons and Daughters of God, 155

In our character building we must build on Christ. He is the sure foundation—a foundation which can never be moved. The tempest of temptation and trial cannot move the building which is riveted to the Eternal Rock. He who would grow into a beautiful building for the Lord must cultivate every power of the being. It is only by the right use of the talents that the character can develop harmoniously. Thus we bring to the foundation that which is represented in the Word as gold, silver, precious stones—material that will stand the test of God's purifying fires.

The General Conference Bulletin, April 6, 1903

Are we bringing that which is represented in the Word of God as wood, hay, and stubble,— a careless deportment, unchristlike words and actions,— or that which is represented as gold, silver, and precious stones,—a Christian character, words and acts that God can approve?

Testimonies for the Church Vol. 5, 466

If you are devoting all your strength and talent to the things of this world, your lifework is represented by wood, hay, and stubble, to be consumed by the fires of the last day. But unselfish labor for Christ and the future life will be as gold, silver, and precious stones; it is imperishable.

Notebook Leaflets from the Elmshaven Library Vol. 1, 113

Trustful dependence on God, earnest prayer to Him for help, obedience to His Word—these are as gold and silver and precious stones brought to the foundation.

Manuscript Releases, Vol. 11, 337

They should use their God-given powers to reform, to restore, and to bring order and discipline and sound principles into the home life. This would be the beginning of the work represented in the Word of God as bringing to the foundation gold and silver and precious stones, which are imperishable.

Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, October 30,1894

…Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, we shall lay upon the foundation deeds of mercy, benevolence, compassion, and love, which are compared to gold, silver, and precious stones, which the fires of the last days cannot consume.

Australasian Signs of the Times, March 2, 1903

How much better it is to use gold, silver, and precious stones in the character-building, by being compassionate, considerate, charitable, and long-suffering in every word and deed!

Our High Calling, 369

He wants you to have height and breadth in Christian experience. He wants you to have great thoughts, noble aspirations, clear perceptions of truth, and lofty purposes of action. Every passing year should increase the soul's yearning for purity and perfection of Christian character. And if this knowledge increases day by day, month by month, year by year,… it will be laying on the foundation stone, gold, silver, and precious stones—works that are not perishable, but which will stand the fires of the last day.

The Southern Work, 28, 29

Men who have faith and hope and love are partakers of the divine nature and have overcome the corruption that is in the world through lust. Such men are successful workers; for they build upon the sure foundation, gold, silver, and precious stones.… Their work results in redeeming souls that shall stand before the throne of God.

Reflecting Christ, 224

We are to bring to the foundation material that will stand the test of fire—gold, silver, and precious stones, "polished after the similitude of a palace" (Ps. 144:12). To those who thus build for God, Paul speaks words of encouragement…. "If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward."…The Christian who faithfully presents the word of life, leading men and women into the way of holiness and peace, is bringing to the foundation material that will endure, and in the kingdom of God He will be honored as a wise builder.

Summation of what it means to build a life and character represented
as gold, silver and precious stones:

• The precious stones represent those who have been refined and polished by the grace of God, and by affliction that they have endured with prayer and patience.

• The gold is a simple, humble faith.

• The pure doctrines that are taught in faith, are as gold, silver, and precious stones.

• It is by the right use of the talents that the character can develop harmoniously. By this, we bring to our foundation of character building gold, silver, and precious stones.

• Gold, silver, and precious stones, are a Christian character, words and acts that God can approve.

• Unselfish labor for Christ and the future life will be as gold, silver, and precious stones; it is imperishable.

• Trustful dependence on God, earnest prayer to Him for help, obedience to His Word, are the gold, silver and precious stones.

• To reform, to restore, and to bring order and discipline and sound principles into the home life is the beginning of building with gold, silver and precious stones.

• Deeds of mercy, benevolence, compassion, and love, are compared to gold, silver, and precious stones.

• Being compassionate, considerate, charitable, and long-suffering in every word and deed is bringing the precious gems to our character building.

• The soul's yearning for purity and perfection of Christian character, will be laying on the foundation stone, gold, silver, and precious stones.

• Those who have faith, hope, and love, are partakers of the divine nature, and have overcome the corruption that is in the world through lust and are bringing to the foundation precious stones.

• The Christian, who faithfully presents the word of life, leading men and women into the way of holiness and peace, is bringing to the foundation material that will endure.

"Now if any man build upon this foundation …wood, hay, stubble"

Manuscript Releases, Vol. 18, 26

There is danger that the church, instead of being built upon the foundation, Jesus Christ, will be marred by the introduction of objectionable, base material; that worldly-policy principles will steal in as a supposed necessity in order to maintain influence with unbelievers; that wood, hay, and stubble will take the place of gold, silver, and precious stones, representations of heavenly principles that abide through time and through eternity.

Isaiah 5:21, 23, 24

Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him! Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.

Isaiah 47:10, 11, 14

For thou hast trusted in thy wickedness: thou hast said, None seeth me. Thy wisdom and thy knowledge, it hath perverted thee; and thou hast said in thine heart, I am, and none else beside me. Therefore shall evil come upon thee; thou shalt not know from whence it riseth: and mischief shall fall upon thee; thou shalt not be able to put it off: and desolation shall come upon thee suddenly, which thou shalt not know. Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame: there shall not be a coal to warm at.

Second Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, December 12, 1878

Ministers frequently neglect these important branches of the work, —health reform, spiritual gifts, systematic benevolence, and the great branches of the missionary work. Under their labors large numbers may embrace the theory of the truth, but in time it is found that there are many who will not bear the proving of God. The minister laid upon the foundation, hay, wood, and stubble, which would be consumed by the fire of temptation.

Medical Ministry, 100

"Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season." Do not bring to the foundation wood, and hay, and stubble—your own surmising and speculations, which can benefit no one.

Spalding and Magan Collection, 75, 76

In their rooms, students are apt to speak words that are frivolous. A great deal of this is done. Foolish talking, jesting, and joking are indulged in. Cheap remarks are made, which create a spirit of careless disregard for order. This cheap nonsense shows that the heart contains no treasure that is good. Thus minds are turned from the important subjects that have been presented before them. This cheap stuff, wood, hay, stubble, some choose to put into their character building.

The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials, 1683

Eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of God means studying God's word. But you have cast aside the word of God for a class of reading that has separated you from God, and the result of this course of action has been seen in your words and actions,… Put away all reading of a cheap character. It is exerting a baleful influence upon your soul. It is corroding your thoughts filling your mind with hay, wood, and stubble.

Sermons and Talks, Vol. 1, 352

I ask you to put away from your homes all light reading. Do not fill the house with magazines, so that when one comes in the first thing he picks up is a magazine. The Lord has nothing to do with such reading. It fills the mind with trash. Those who indulge in it are bringing to the foundation wood, hay, and stubble.

Fundamentals of Education, 446, 447

Let not man's assertions be considered as truth when they are contrary to the word of God. The Lord God, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, the source of all wisdom, is second to none. But those supposed great authors, who give to our schools their textbooks for study, are received and glorified, even though they have no vital connection with God. By such study man has been led away from God into forbidden paths;…But today young men and women spend years and years in acquiring an education which is but wood and stubble, to be consumed in the last great conflagration.

Many spend years of their life in the study of books, obtaining an education that will die with them. Upon such an education God places no value. This supposed wisdom gained from the study of different authors, has excluded and lessened the brightness and value of the word of God. Many students have left school unable to receive the word of God with the reverence and respect that they gave it before they entered, their faith eclipsed in the effort to excel in the various studies.

The Bible has not been made a standard matter in their education, but books mixed with infidelity and propagating unsound theories have been placed before them.

Fundamentals of Christian Education, 451

By feeding the mind upon exciting stories of fiction, man is bringing to the foundation "wood, hay, stubble." He loses all taste for the divine Guidebook, and cares not to study the character he must form in order to dwell with the redeemed host, and inhabit the mansions which Christ has gone to prepare.

Series B, No. 2, 26

Men were talking and accusing and conjectures were brought in that should have had no place in the meeting.

In some of the business meetings unwise words were spoken, which manifested suspicion and distrust of men bearing responsibilities. This aroused wrong feelings. Trifling things looked at through the enemy's magnifying glass, became larger and larger. A mote became a mountain. Words were spoken and thoughts cherished that grieved the Holy Spirit. Thouse who ought to have been seeking the Lord with subdued, contrite spirits, were bringing to the foundation matrerial represented by wood , hay , and stubble.

Australasian Signs of the Times, March 2, 1903

Let us keep ourselves in a cheerful frame of mind. It is our privilege, through faith, to have the mind of Christ, and to abide in Him. I especially beseech mothers to remember that it is their privilege to have the mind of Christ. Never lose control of your temper. You cannot afford to do this; for thus you would sow in the hearts of your children seed that, sooner or later, would produce the fruits of unrighteousness. Such seed-sowing is represented as laying wood, hay, and stubble upon the foundation stone.

Sketches from the Life of Paul, 155

The false material, gilded to imitate the true,—that is, a carnal mind, and unsanctified character, glossed over with seeming righteousness,—may not be readily detected by mortal eye; but the day of God will test the material.

Ibid, 155

From worldly policy, many endeavor, by their own efforts, to become as polished stones; but they cannot be living stones, because they are not built upon the true foundation. The day of God will reveal that they are, in reality, only wood, hay, and stubble.

Testimonies for the Church Vol. 5, 466

If you are devoting all your strength and talent to the things of this world, your lifework is represented by wood, hay, and stubble, to be consumed by the fires of the last day.

Messages to Young People, 43, 44

There are youth who have a certain kind of cleverness, which is acknowledged and admired by their associates, but their ability is not sanctified. It is not strengthened and solidified by the graces and trials of experience, and God cannot use it to benefit humanity and glorify His name. Under the guise of godliness, their powers are being used to erect false standards, and the unconverted look to them as an excuse for their wrong course of action. Satan leads them to amuse their associates by their nonsense and so-called wit. Everything that they undertake is cheapening; for they are under the control of the tempter, who directs and fashions their characters, that they may do his work.… Such youth meet with eternal loss. How will their fun and frolic appear to them in the day when every man shall receive from the Judge of all the earth according to the deeds done in the body? They have brought to the foundation wood, hay, and stubble, and all their life work will perish. What a loss!

The General Conference Bulletin, April 6, 1903

Christ is the foundation upon which we are to build. What are we bringing to the foundation? Are we bringing that which is represented in the Word of God as wood, hay, and stubble,—a careless deportment, unchristlike words and actions.

Temperance, 142

How many there are, blessed with reason and intelligence, talents which should be used to the glory of God, who willfully degrade soul and body. Their lives are a continual round of excitement. Cricket and football matches and horse racing absorb the attention. The liquor curse, with its world of woe, is defiling the temple of God. … By the use of liquor and tobacco men are debasing the life given them for high and holy purposes. Their practices are represented by wood, hay, and stubble.

The Signs of the Times, May 19, 1887

We have few home missionaries, because there are so few church members who are connected with Christ. There ought to be far more personal labor than there now is. This work will accomplish much more than pulpit labor. Satan knows this, and he tries to keep the mind employed with unnecessary things. The time that mothers spend in the ornamentation of their own, and their children's clothing might profitably be spent in searching the Scriptures, in prayer, and in preparation to do this kind of labor. They should thus be laying upon the foundation, gold, silver, and precious stones, material that will be lasting as eternal ages. The fires of the last day cannot consume this kind of work, for it is impossible to destroy it.

But your endless stitching, your ornamentation to gratify pride, your needless preparation of dishes for your tables, to gratify the appetite, is laying upon the foundation, hay, wood and stubble. If your own souls escape, your life work is lost. You obtain no reward. But the question is, Will these souls be saved, who have spent their time in nurturing vanity and pride in the hearts of their children? The great day will reveal their work, of what sort it is. What does God think of my work? should be asked by every soul. Am I doing those things only which are necessary for the decency, and comfort, and for the religious good of my family? These questions will be asked at the Judgment, and why not put them to the soul now?

Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, December 11, 1900

In the work of character building, each person is responsible for the way in which he builds. There are many in our world who teach speculative theories, rather than the simple truths which Christ taught. Everyone will be tested, to see whether his conversion is real. But the teaching that is mingled with human philosophy can never satisfy.

Review and Herald, December 11, 1900

It is for our eternal interest to place the right material upon the right foundation. Christ is the great necessity for everyone.… The laborer for God is to do thorough work; his mind is to be pure and clean, free from all the cheapness represented as wood, hay, and stubble. The work of those who bring their offerings to God in humility and love, depending hour by hour on the grace of Christ to sanctify and cleanse from moral impurities, bears the impress of God, who estimates our work, not according to the outward appearance, but according to the heart purity brought into it.

The Signs of the Times, May 26, 1887

We are building for eternity; and it is doubly important now that we take heed how we build. If we indulge doubt and unbelief, we are bringing worthless material to the foundation-stone. It is only as we labor in faith that we can bring to the building that which is precious and enduring. Many are drifting into darkness and infidelity, picking flaws with the Bible, and bringing in superstitious inventions, unscriptural doctrines, and philosophical speculations; others divert the mind from important truths by exciting trifling inquiries and disputations. Those who permit themselves to be thus hindered are giving place to the adversary, while they might be bringing gold, silver, and precious stones to lay upon the foundation.

Manuscript Releases, Vol. 6, 259, 260

I am laboring to call the attention of the young to the close searching of the Scriptures. I am laboring to have them bring to the foundation gold, silver, and precious stones, that the last day cannot consume. I am working with pen and voice to awaken the youth to the stern realities just about to open before us, and to lead them to leave the superficial, the fictitious in everything large and small, for living realities, that they shall not live an unreal, imaginary life, but take right hold of the verity and truth of practical life. It is realities with which we are to deal. Everything is tainted and corrupted with falsehood and fiction in this age. We want now solid truth for our foundation.

Men and women are asleep. Youth are enchanted, infatuated with the false. They lay upon the foundation hay, wood, and stubble which the fires of the last day will consume. The mind will be of the same character as the food is composed of upon which it has been fed. There is only one remedy; that is, to become conversant with the Scriptures. We cannot study the Bible too much. Christ said, "Search the Scriptures;" but the natural heart would search everything else rather than the Scriptures.

Spalding and Magan Collection, 281

Be careful how you build. Do not bring to the foundation material represented in the Word of God as wood, hay, and stubble. Do not bring your own inventions into your character-building. These are perishable, and will be consumed. Do not put human wisdom in the place of Him who is the Light of the World the Sun of righteousness, our peace and assurance forever.

The Upward Look, 247

There are many who profess to be followers of Christ who do not have an eye single to His glory. They have their own ideas and standards, and they keep these before them instead of the standard of the Word of God.

Manuscript Releases, Vol. 16, 198

If he begins in self-confidence to build after certain notions of his own plans and his own desires, without reference to his brethren, he will bring in material and lay on the foundation a mass of suppositions of his own, which is only rubbish.

Summation of what it means to build a life and character represented as wood hay and stubble:

• Worldly-policy principles which are brought in as a supposed necessity in order to maintain influence with unbelievers, is building on wood, hay and stubble

• Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!

• Ministers frequently neglect important branches of the work and therefore large numbers may embrace the theory of the truth, but in time it is found that there are many who will not bear the proving of God.

• Our own surmising and speculations, which can benefit no one, are as wood, hay and stubble.

• Speaking words that are frivolous with foolish talking, jesting, and joking create a spirit of careless disregard for order. This cheap nonsense shows that the heart contains no treasure that is good. Thus minds are turned from the important subjects that have been presented before them, and they are building on wood, hay and stubble.

• Casting aside the word of God for a class of reading that separates us from God is bringing useless material to our character building.

• As we accept man's assertions as truth when they are contrary to the word of God, and spending many years in the study of books, obtaining an education that will die with us we are building on wood, hay and stubble.

• Men exercising a spirit of talking and accusing and conjectures are brought in that should have had no place in the work of God and the teaching of His word.

• A carnal mind, and unsanctified character, glossed over with seeming righteousness, are building on wood, hay and stubble.

• Devoting all our strength and talent to the things of this world is to build on wood, hay and stubble.

• Under the guise of godliness, man's powers are being used to erect false standards, and the unconverted look to them as an excuse for their wrong course of action. This is building on wood, hay and stubble.

• A careless deportment, unchristlike words and actions is building on wood, hay and stubble.

• Parents who spend their time in nurturing vanity and pride in the hearts of their children, are themselves with their children building on wood, hay, and stubble.

• There are many in our world who teach speculative theories, rather than the simple truths which Christ taught, these are building on wood, hay and stubble.

• If we indulge doubt and unbelief, we are bringing worthless material to the foundation stone. Many are drifting into darkness and infidelity, picking flaws with the Bible, and bringing in superstitious inventions, unscriptural doctrines, and philosophical speculations. All of this is to bring to the foundation of our character wood, hay and stubble.

• A life spent seeking the superficial; the fictitious is building on wood, hay and stubble.

• Bringing our own inventions into our character-building by putting human wisdom in the place of Him who is the Light of the World, is to build on wood, hay and stubble.

• If in self-confidence we build after our own plans and desires then we are building on wood, hay, and stubble.

• When we follow our own ideas and standards, and keep these instead of the standard of the Word of God we are building on wood, hay, and stubble.

1 Corinthians 3:13

Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.

The fires of affliction and trial and the testing issues of the last days will reveal what type of character we have been building.

Job 23:10

But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

1 Peter 1:7

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 4:12, 13

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

Malachi 3:2, 3

But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.

Revelation 8:7

The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.

Manuscript Releases, Vol. 12, 32

The time of God's destructive judgments is the time of mercy for those who have no opportunity to learn what is truth. Tenderly will the Lord look upon them. His heart of mercy is touched; His hand is still stretched out to save, while the door is closed to those who would not enter. Large numbers will be admitted who in these last days hear the truth for the first time. –Letter 103, 1903, p. 4. (To G. B. Starr and wife, June 3, 1903.)

Manuscript Releases, Vol. 20, 76

Jesus Christ is your foundation. Build upon Him, but be careful how you build. If you build with precious material, compared to gold, silver, and precious stones, you will suffer no loss though your works may be tried by the fires of the last day.

Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, December 11, 1900

It makes every difference what material is used in the character building. The long-expected day of God will soon test every man's work. "The fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is." As fire reveals the difference between gold, silver, and precious stones, and wood, hay, and stubble, so the day of judgment will test characters, showing the difference between characters formed after Christ's likeness, and characters formed after the likeness of the selfish heart. All selfishness, all false religion, will then appear as it is. The worthless material will be consumed; but the gold of true, simple, humble faith will never lose its value. It can never be consumed; for it is imperishable. One hour of transgression will be seen to be a great loss, while the fear of the Lord will be seen to be the beginning of wisdom. The pleasure of self-indulgence will perish as stubble, while the gold of steadfast principle, maintained at any cost, will endure forever.

The Signs of the Times, November 20, 1884

Each one of us is building upon the true foundation, wood, hay, and stubble, to be consumed in the last great conflagration, and our life-work be lost, or we are building upon that foundation, gold, silver, and precious stones, which will never perish, but shine the brighter amid the devouring elements that will try every man's work. Any unfaithfulness in spiritual and eternal things here will result in loss throughout endless ages. Those who lead a Christless life, who exclude Jesus from heart, home, and business, who leave Him out of their counsels, and trust to their own heart, and rely on their own judgment, are unfaithful servants, and will receive the reward which their works have merited.

1 Corinthians 3:14, 15

If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

Any unfaithfulness in spiritual and eternal things will result in loss throughout endless ages. I present these thoughts to the laymen of the church, that they may awaken to a sense of their responsibility. Work for Jesus. Put your entire interest into God's cause. Self-deception may make you feel that you are doing about right; but how does your life compare with the life of Jesus? Christ has done everything for you; he withheld not even Himself. Now show zeal and earnestness in putting all your powers to work for Him, and you will receive eternal life as your reward.

Manuscript Releases, Vol. 21, 399

I am instructed to say that sufficient carefulness has not been shown in regard to the material which has been brought to the foundation-stone. "If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward." Who does not desire then to be faithful in cooperating with Christ? "If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire" [verse 15]. If he sees his wrong and sincerely repents, he will save himself, but his lifework is a failure.

Manuscript Releases, Vol. 19, 316

Do deep ploughing that you may realize the very best harvest. Labor to bring to the foundation imperishable material—gold, silver, and precious stones. If you bring hay, wood, and stubble, these will be consumed, and you may be consumed with them. The salvation of your soul is precious.

"But he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire"

Manuscript Releases, Vol. 6, 212

If you bring worthless material to the foundation, your work will be consumed. If you yourself are saved, you will have nothing to show for your life-work. You will merely save your own soul. But God desires you not merely to save your own soul, but to bring others to Him, who, when the redeemed are gathered home, will be among those who will cast their glittering crowns at the feet of the Redeemer, and fill all heaven with rich music. These ransomed ones will exclaim, "Worthy worthy is the Lamb that was slain, and that sitteth upon the throne;" and then they will go out to the ones who spoke to them the words which brought them into right relation to God, and will say, "It was your influence, through Christ, that led me to accept the truth of heavenly origin."

Manuscript Releases, Vol. 21, 399

"If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire" 1 Corinthians 3:15. If he sees his wrong and sincerely repents, he will save himself, but his lifework is a failure.

Sketches from the Life of Paul, 159

The figure which Paul uses of the temple erected on the foundation stone is to represent the work of God's servants to the end of time. To all who are building for God, the apostle addresses words of encouragement and warning: "If any man's work abide, which he have built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss; but he himself shall be saved, yet so as by fire."

The Christian teacher who faithfully presents the word of truth, leading his converts to holiness of heart and life, is bringing precious material to the foundation; and in the kingdom of God he will be honored as a wise builder. He who neglects to teach the truth in its purity, will gather converts who are not holy in heart and life. He is bringing material that will not stand the test. In the day of God he will suffer loss. Though it is possible that those who have spent the best of life in teaching error may, by repentance and faith, be saved at last, yet their work is lost. Their life has failed of the good results that might have been secured. Souls have gone down to ruin, who, by a faithful presentation of the truth, might have been saved. Says the apostle, "Let every man take heed how he buildeth."

1 Corinthians 3:16–18

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.

 Hebrews 3:6

But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.

1 Corinthians 6:19, 20

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have o f God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

2 Corinthians 6:14–18

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

Desire of Ages, 161

From eternal ages it was God's purpose that every created being, from the bright and holy seraph to man, should be a temple for the indwelling of the Creator. Because of sin, humanity ceased to be a temple for God. Darkened and defiled by evil, the heart of man no longer revealed the glory of the Divine One. But by the incarnation of the Son of God, the purpose of Heaven is fulfilled. God dwells in humanity, and through saving grace the heart of man becomes again His temple.

1 Peter 4:1, 2

Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

"Let no man deceive himself"

Galatians 6:3

For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

Ephesians 5:5–7

For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them.

1 John 3:7, 10

Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

"Wise in this world"

Ephesians 4:17, 18

This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart.

1 Corinthians 2:14

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

James 3:14, 15

But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.

Second Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, January 1, 1884

"The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God." The wisdom of the world is too highly valued, the wisdom from above too little sought, by the professed people of the Lord. Men may have a knowledge of Christian doctrine, and yet understand little of Christian experience. Many are keen, apt, prompt, in worldly affairs, while they manifest little interest, tact, or energy in the service of God. They do not exercise their sharpness and shrewdness in watching to discern the devices of Satan, and studying how they may outgeneral the enemy. They do not summon all their powers to form wise plans and put forth earnest, systematic effort to advance the cause of God. The wisdom exercised in worldly temporal things is seldom devoted to spiritual and eternal things. In this manner do men of ability give evidence that they are more carnal than spiritual.

"That he may be wise"

What is wisdom?

Proverbs 4:11, The Amplified Bible

Wisdom [which is comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God].

Proverbs 9:10, The Amplified Bible

The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is the beginning (the chief and choice part) of Wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight and understanding.

Proverbs 1:7, The Amplified Bible,

The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is the beginning and the principal and choice part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence]; but fools despise skillful and godly Wisdom, instruction, and discipline.

Webster's 1828 Dictionary

Wisdom is true religion; godliness; piety; the knowledge and fear of God and sincere and uniform obedience to His commands. This is the wisdom which is from above.

Closing thought:

Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, June 11, 1901

"Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." Are we placing the right kind of material upon the right foundation? If we lay upon the foundation wood, hay, stubble, sad indeed will be the result! Will that which we are bringing to the foundation endure the fire of the great day of God? Are we using our talents in the Master's service? Are we kind and courteous to all around us? Do we cherish in our hearts, and reveal in our lives, the principles of the truth? The characters we form here will decide our eternal destiny. What kind of material are we using in our character building? We must guard well every point, seeking to gain that purity which will make our lives harmonize with the saving truth we profess to believe. Our part is to put away sin, to seek with determination for perfection of character. As we thus work, God cooperates with us, fitting us for a place in His kingdom.