In order to make the truth plain to the hearts and minds of men, God has chosen to use various figures, or symbols, by which to bring home more forcefully the truths He seeks to reveal to human hearts. BSPC 7.2
The word of God is likened to: BSPC 7.3
| Bread | John 6:48, 58 | Milk | 1 Peter 2:2 |
| Chain | Early Writings, 221 | Mine | Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 476 |
| Fire | Jeremiah 20:9 | Mirror | James 1:23, 25 |
| Fountain | Fundamentals of Christian Education, 393 | Pearls | Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 456 |
| Gold | Psalm 19:10 | Rock | Mount of Blessing, pp. 213, 216 |
| Hammer | Jeremiah 23:29 | Seed | The Desire of Ages, 192 |
| Honey | Psalm 119:103 | Silver | Psalm 12:6 |
| Lamp | Psalm 119:105 | Sword | Ephesians 6:17 |
| Leaven | Christ’s Object Lessons, 99 | Water | Ephesians 5:26 |
| Light | Christ’s Object Lessons, 111, 406 | ||
| Meat | Hebrews 5:12, 14 |