EGW → Biblical Foundation
Select an Ellen White book from the sidebar to see each passage mapped to the Bible verses it amplifies, cites, or echoes.
Scripture Index
Ellen White & Bible Cross-Reference
Revelation 21:1
"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea."
"The Garden of Eden remained upon the earth long after man had become an outcast from its pleasant paths. The fallen race were long permitted to gaze upon the home of innocence, their entrance barred only by the watching angels. At the cherubim-guarded gate of Paradise the divine glory was revealed. Hither came Adam and his sons to worship God. Here they renewed their vows of obedience to that law the transgression of which had banished them from Eden. When the tide of iniquity overspread the world, and the wickedness of men determined their destruction by a flood of waters, the hand that had planted Eden withdrew it from the earth. But in the final restitution, when there shall be “a new heaven and a new earth” ( Revelation 21:1 ), it is to be restored more gloriously adorned than at the beginning. PP 62.2"
Ellen White directly references Revelation 21:1 in this passage.
"“I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away.” Revelation 21:1 . The fire that consumes the wicked purifies the earth. Every trace of the curse is swept away. No eternally burning hell will keep before the ransomed the fearful consequences of sin. GC 674.1"
Ellen White directly references Revelation 21:1 in this passage.
"The prophet of Patmos thus describes the location of the school of the hereafter: Ed 301.3"
EGW directly references the prophet of Patmos (John) describing the new earth, which is the subject of Revelation 21:1. The connection is direct and intentional.
"It was while preparing a sermon from Revelation 21 for advent Sunday that the light of Christ's second coming broke in upon Bengel's mind. The prophecies of the Revelation unfolded to his understanding as never before. Overwhelmed with a sense of the stupendous importance and surpassing glory of the scenes presented by the prophet, he was forced to turn for a time from the contemplation of the subject. In the pulpit it again presented itself to him with all its vividness and power. From that time he devoted himself to the study of the prophecies, especially those of the Apocalypse, and soon arrived at the belief that they pointed to the coming of Christ as near. The date which he fixed upon as the time of the second advent was within a very few years of that afterward held by Miller. GC 363.3"
The EGW passage directly mentions Revelation 21 as the source of Bengel's inspiration regarding the second coming. This is a clear and direct connection.
Revelation 21:1-7
"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son."
"Scripture Reading “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth,” read Elder F. M. Wilcox, of Washington, D.C. “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” The passages read from the visions of John on the isle of Patmos were Revelation 21:1-7 ; 22:1-5 ; and with these were linked the precious promises recorded in the thirty-fifth chapter of Isaiah's prophecy. “The ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” LS 464"
Ellen White directly references Revelation 21:1-7 in this passage.
Revelation 21:2
"And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband."
"represents the Holy City, and the virgins that go out to meet the bridegroom are a symbol of the church. In the Revelation the people of God are said to be the guests at the marriage supper. Revelation 19:9 . If guests, they cannot be represented also as the bride . Christ, as stated by the prophet Daniel, will receive from the Ancient of Days in heaven, “dominion, and glory, and a kingdom;” He will receive the New Jerusalem, the capital of His kingdom, “prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” Daniel 7:14 ; Revelation 21:2 . Having received the kingdom, He will come in His glory, as King of kings and Lord of lords, for the redemption of His people, who are to “sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob,” at His table in His kingdom ( Matthew 8:11 ; Luke 22:30 ), to partake of the marriage supper of the Lamb. GC 426.2"
Ellen White directly references Revelation 21:2 in this passage.
"And I John saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. Revelation 21:2 . EW 31.4"
Ellen White directly references Revelation 21:2 in this passage.
"After the judgment of the wicked dead had been finished, at the end of the one thousand years, Jesus left the city, and the saints and a train of the angelic host followed Him. Jesus descended upon a great mountain, which as soon as His feet touched it, parted asunder and became a mighty plain. Then we looked up and saw the great and beautiful city, with twelve foundations, and twelve gates, three on each side, and an angel at each gate. We cried out, “The city! the great city! it is coming down from God out of heaven!” And it came down in all its splendor and dazzling glory and settled in the mighty plain which Jesus had prepared for it. EW 291.1"
The EGW passage directly describes the New Jerusalem coming down from heaven, mirroring the imagery and language of Revelation 21:2.
"“And I John saw the Holy City, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” “Her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; and had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel.” “The twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass. And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.” Revelation 21:2, 11, 12, 21, 22 . AA 591.3"
EGW directly quotes Revelation 21:2.
"The prophet of Patmos thus describes the location of the school of the hereafter: Ed 301.3"
Similar to the previous verse, EGW is alluding to John's vision of the New Jerusalem, described in Revelation 21:2, as the location of the 'school of the hereafter.'
With Jesus at our head we all descended from the city down to this earth, on a great and mighty mountain, which could not bear Jesus up, and it parted asunder, and there was a mighty plain. Then we looked up and saw the great city, with twelve foundations, and twelve gates, three on each side, and an angel at each gate. We all cried out, “The city, the great city, it's coming, it's coming down from God out of heaven,” and it came and settled on the place where we stood. Then we began to look at the glorious things outside of the city. There I saw most glorious houses, that had the appearance of silver, supported by four pillars set with pearls most glorious to behold. These were to be inhabited by the saints. In each was a golden shelf. I saw many of the saints go into the houses, take off their glittering crowns and lay them on the shelf, then go out into the field by the houses to do something with the earth; not as we have to do with the earth here; no, no. A glorious light shone al…
Both passages describe the New Jerusalem descending from heaven. EGW expands on the description, but the core image is clearly derived from Revelation 21:2.
Revelation 21:3
"And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God."
"“The tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God.” Revelation 21:3 . Ed 302.5"
Ellen White directly references Revelation 21:3 in this passage.
"The heavenly gates are again to be lifted up, and with ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands of holy ones, our Saviour will come forth as King of kings and Lord of lords. Jehovah Immanuel “shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one Lord, and His name one.” “The tabernacle of God” shall be with men, “and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God.” Zechariah 14:9 ; Revelation 21:3 . MB 108.2"
Ellen White directly references Revelation 21:3 in this passage.
"“Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, And He will dwell with them, And they shall be His people, And God Himself shall be with them, And be their God.” Revelation 21:3 . AA 592.4"
Ellen White directly references Revelation 21:3 in this passage.
"There is the New Jerusalem, the metropolis of the glorified new earth, “a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God.” “Her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.” “The nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honor into it.” Saith the Lord: “I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in My people.” “The tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God.” Isaiah 62:3 ; Revelation 21:11, 24 ; Isaiah 65:19 ; Revelation 21:3 . GC 676.2"
Ellen White directly references Revelation 21:3 in this passage.
Revelation 21:4
"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."
"The prophet beholds the “river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.” “And on this side of the river and on that was the tree of life.” “And there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Revelation 22:1 ; 22:2 , R.V.; 21:4 . Ed 302.2"
EGW directly quotes Revelation 21:4.
"“These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple: and He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” “And there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Revelation 7:14-17 ; Revelation 21:4 . MH 507.2"
Ellen White directly references Revelation 21:4 in this passage.
"Pain cannot exist in the atmosphere of heaven. There will be no more tears, no funeral trains, no badges of mourning. “There shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying: ... for the former things are passed away.” “The inhabitant shall not say, I am sick: the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity.” Revelation 21:4 ; Isaiah 33:24 . GC 676.1"
Ellen White directly references Revelation 21:4 in this passage.
"Still another scene opens to his view—the earth freed from the curse, lovelier than the fair Land of Promise so lately spread out before him. There is no sin, and death cannot enter. There the nations of the saved find their eternal home. With joy unutterable Moses looks upon the scene—the fulfillment of a more glorious deliverance than his brightest hopes have ever pictured. Their earthly wanderings forever past, the Israel of God have at last entered the goodly land. PP 477.1"
Both passages describe a future state of eternal peace and freedom from suffering. Revelation 21:4 is a direct description of this state, while EGW envisions it as the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel.
"In the visions of the prophet, those who have triumphed over sin and the grave are now seen happy in the presence of their Maker, talking freely with Him as man talked with God in the beginning. “Be ye glad,” the Lord bids them, “and rejoice forever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy. And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in My people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying.” “The inhabitant shall not say, I am sick: the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity.” PK 729.1"
While EGW quotes Isaiah 65:18-19, the overall theme of no more weeping and the absence of sickness strongly echoes Revelation 21:4. The connection is more than just thematic; it's a shared vision of the future.
"The nations of the saved will know no other law than the law of heaven. All will be a happy, united family, clothed with the garments of praise and thanksgiving. Over the scene the morning stars will sing together, and the sons of God will shout for joy, while God and Christ will unite in proclaiming. “There shall be no more sin, neither shall there be any more death.” PK 732.2"
EGW's statement, "There shall be no more sin, neither shall there be any more death," directly echoes the sentiment and promise found in Revelation 21:4, even though it's not a direct quote. The context of a redeemed and perfect world further strengthens the connection.
"“And so, Father, on this sad day, we leave these things in Thy hands, and pray that the great God who has guided, who has been with us, will guide every step of the way; guide us out of all the wilderness of doubt and trial; guide us to the land of perfect day, where there will be no more sin, no more sorrow, and where we shall bask in the smiles of our blessed Redeemer, who has conquered sin and therefore is victor over death. And grant, O our Father, that in that great day, those assembled here may be among the number who shall live forever with the good who have gone and those who shall remain until Thy coming. We ask it all in Jesus’ name. Amen.” LS 467.2"
The EGW passage speaks of a land with no sin or sorrow, mirroring the description of the new heaven and new earth in Revelation 21:4, where God wipes away all tears and there is no more death or pain.
"The great controversy is ended. Sin and sinners are no more. The entire universe is clean. One pulse of harmony and gladness beats through the vast creation. From Him who created all, flow life and light and gladness, throughout the realms of illimitable space. From the minutest atom to the greatest world, all things, animate and inanimate, in their unshadowed beauty and perfect joy, declare that God is love. GC 678.3"
Both passages describe a future state where suffering and sorrow are absent. EGW's description of a universe free from sin and filled with harmony echoes the promise of Revelation 21:4.
"But oh, when our noble Henry died, [The death of Henry N. White occurred at Topsham, Maine, December 8, 1863.] at the age of sixteen; when our sweet singer was borne to the grave, and we no more heard his early song, ours was a lonely home. Both parents and the two remaining sons felt the blow most keenly. But God comforted us in our bereavements, and with faith and courage we pressed forward in the work He had given us, in bright hope of meeting our children who had been torn from us by death, in that world where sickness and death will never come. 1T 103.1"
The EGW passage directly echoes the sentiment of Revelation 21:4 regarding the absence of death and sorrow in the afterlife, offering comfort in bereavement.
"***** With such an army of workers as our youth, rightly trained, might furnish, how soon the message of a crucified, risen, and soon-coming Saviour might be carried to the whole world! How soon might the end come, —the end of suffering and sorrow and sin! How soon, in place of a possession here, with its blight of sin and pain, our children might receive their inheritance where “the righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein forever;” where “the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick,” and “the voice of weeping shall be no more heard!” [ Psalm 37:29 ; Isaiah 33:24 ; 65:19 .]— Education, 271 . GW 66.2"
Both passages describe the future state of the redeemed, free from suffering and sorrow. EGW's passage uses similar language to Revelation 21:4, such as the absence of weeping and the end of pain. The connection is clear and reinforces the hope of a better future.
"Christ assured the angels that by His death He would ransom many, and would destroy him who had the power of death. He would recover the kingdom which man had lost by transgression, and the redeemed were to inherit it with Him, and dwell therein forever. Sin and sinners would be blotted out, nevermore to disturb the peace of heaven or earth. He bade the angelic host to be in accord with the plan that His Father had accepted, and rejoice that, through His death, fallen man could be reconciled to God. PP 65.2"
Both passages describe the end of death, sorrow, and pain as a result of God's actions. EGW expands on the implications of Christ's death, echoing the promise of Revelation 21:4.
"Between the school established in Eden at the beginning and the school of the hereafter there lies the whole compass of this world's history—the history of human transgression and suffering, of divine sacrifice, and of victory over death and sin. Not all the conditions of that first school of Eden will be found in the school of the future life. No tree of knowledge of good and evil will afford opportunity for temptation. No tempter is there, no possibility of wrong. Every character has withstood the testing of evil, and none are longer susceptible to its power. Ed 301.6"
EGW's description of the future school as free from temptation and wrong aligns with Revelation 21:4, which speaks of the absence of sorrow, crying, and pain in the new earth. Both passages describe a state of perfection and freedom from the consequences of sin.
"Through Christ's redeeming work the government of God stands justified. The Omnipotent One is made known as the God of love. Satan's charges are refuted, and his character unveiled. Rebellion can never again arise. Sin can never again enter the universe. Through eternal ages all are secure from apostasy. By love's self- sacrifice, the inhabitants of earth and heaven are bound to their Creator in bonds of indissoluble union. DA 26.2"
Both passages speak to the ultimate eradication of suffering and the establishment of a perfect, sinless existence. Revelation 21:4 describes the absence of pain and sorrow in the new creation, while the EGW passage discusses the security from apostasy and the indissoluble union with the Creator. The connection is thematic, focusing on the final state of redemption.
"“Then this is heaven,” I said, “and now I can be at rest. I shall have no more messages to bear, no more misrepresentations to endure. Everything will be easy now, and I shall enjoy peace and rest. Oh, what inexpressible peace fills my soul! Is this indeed heaven? Am I one of God's little children? and shall I always have this peace?” 9T 66.2"
EGW's longing for rest and peace in heaven directly parallels the promise in Revelation 21:4 of an end to sorrow and pain. The desire for a cessation of suffering and the attainment of perfect peace is the core connection.
"undefined We shall meet to part, no, never, On the resurrection morn. From the deepest caves of ocean, From the desert and the plain, From the valley and the mountain, Countless throngs shall rise again.” LS 480.1"
The EGW passage speaks of a resurrection where there will be no parting, while Revelation 21:4 speaks of the absence of death, sorrow, and pain. Both passages describe a future state of eternal peace and joy, making it a thematic parallel. The phrase 'no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain' is echoed in the sentiment of 'We shall meet to part, no, never, On the resurrection morn.'
"influence of their disapprobation. When I had ceased speaking, Elder B. asked me if it would not be more pleasant to live a long life of usefulness, doing others good, than to have Jesus come speedily and destroy poor sinners. I replied that I longed for the coming of Jesus. Then sin would have an end, and we would enjoy sanctification forever, with no devil to tempt and lead us astray. 1T 35.2"
The EGW passage expresses a longing for the coming of Jesus when 'sin would have an end' and believers would enjoy 'sanctification forever, with no devil to tempt.' This aligns with the general theme of Revelation 21:4, which speaks of the end of suffering and pain in the new creation. While not a direct quote, the underlying hope for a sinless existence is a clear parallel.
"All the treasures of the universe will be open to the study of God's redeemed. Unfettered by mortality, they wing their tireless flight to worlds afar—worlds that thrilled with sorrow at the spectacle of human woe and rang with songs of gladness at the tidings of a ransomed soul. With unutterable delight the children of earth enter into the joy and the wisdom of unfallen beings. They share the treasures of knowledge and understanding gained through ages upon ages in contemplation of God's handiwork. With undimmed vision they gaze upon the glory of creation—suns and stars and systems, all in their appointed order circling the throne of Deity. Upon all things, from the least to the greatest, the Creator's name is written, and in all are the riches of His power displayed. GC 677.3"
While Revelation 21:4 focuses on the absence of suffering in the new earth, and the EGW passage focuses on the exploration of the universe, both describe aspects of the redeemed in a state free from the limitations and sorrows of the present world. The absence of sorrow allows for the joy and exploration described by EGW.
"How long a time are you designing to take to prepare to be introduced into the society of heavenly angels in glory? In the state which you and your family are in at present, all heaven would be marred should you be introduced therein. The work for you must be done here. This earth is the fitting-up place. You have not one moment to lose. All is harmony, peace, and love in heaven. No discord, no strife, no censuring, no unloving words, no clouded brows, no jars there; and no one will be introduced there who possesses any of these elements so destructive to peace and happiness. Study to be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate, laying up for yourselves a good foundation against the time to come, that you may lay hold on everlasting life. 1T 705.3"
Both passages describe the absence of negative emotions and experiences in heaven. EGW expands on the qualities needed to be fit for heaven, while Revelation 21:4 describes the result of God's presence.
"Chapter 8—Call to Travel I related this vision to the believers in Portland, who had full confidence that it was from God. The Spirit of the Lord attended the testimony, and the solemnity of eternity rested upon us. An unspeakable awe filled me, that I, so young and feeble, should be chosen as the instrument by which God would give light to His people. While under the power of the Lord I was filled with joy, seeming to be surrounded by holy angels in the glorious courts of heaven, where all is peace and gladness, and it was a sad and bitter change to wake up to the realities of mortal life. 1T 62"
Both passages contrast the joy and peace of heaven with the sorrow and pain of earthly life. Revelation 21:4 describes a future state where sorrow and pain are absent, while EGW describes the 'sad and bitter change' of returning to mortal life.
“When we had accomplished this task, we looked up, and the whole train was transformed. Instead of the low, ill-ventilated cars on which we had been riding, there were broad, high, well-ventilated cars, with large, clear windows, the whole trimmed and gilded in a most splendid manner, more elegant than any palace or hotel car I ever saw. The track was level, smooth, and firm. The train was filling up with passengers whose countenances were cheerful and happy, yet wore an expression of assurance and solemnity. All seemed to express the greatest satisfaction at the change which had been wrought, and the greatest confidence in the successful passage of the train. Brother and Sister White were on board this time, their countenances lit up with holy joy. As the train was starting, I was so overjoyed that I awoke, with the impression on my mind that that dream referred to the church at battle creek and matters connected with the cause there. My mind was perfectly clear in regard to my duty t…
The transformed train with happy passengers in the EGW passage shares a thematic similarity with the promise of no more sorrow or pain in Revelation 21:4. Both depict a future state of joy and perfection, but the connection is not direct or explicit.
Revelation 21:6
"And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely."
"“I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.” Revelation 21:6 . This promise is only to those that thirst. None but those who feel their need of the water of life, and seek it at the loss of all things else, will be supplied. “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be My son.” Verse 7 . Here, also, conditions are specified. In order to inherit all things, we must resist and overcome sin. GC 540.2"
Ellen White directly references Revelation 21:6 in this passage.
"As the weary traveler seeks the spring in the desert and, finding it, quenches his burning thirst, so will the Christian thirst for and obtain the pure water of life, of which Christ is the fountain. MB 19.2"
The EGW passage directly alludes to Revelation 21:6, using the imagery of the 'fountain of the water of life' and the concept of quenching thirst. The connection is clear and intentional.
Revelation 21:8
"But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."
"The Sabbath was made for the benefit of man; and to knowingly transgress the holy commandment forbidding labor upon the seventh day is a crime in the sight of heaven which was of such magnitude under the Mosaic law as to require the death of the offender. But this was not all that the offender was to suffer, for God would not take a transgressor of His law to heaven. He must suffer the second death, which is the full and final penalty for the transgressor of the law of God. 1T 533.1"
Both passages discuss the consequences of sin, with the EGW passage mentioning the 'second death' as the final penalty for transgressors, and Revelation 21:8 describing the 'second death' as the fate of various sinners. The connection is thematic, focusing on the ultimate consequences of unrepentant sin.
Revelation 21:12
"And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:"
"“And I John saw the Holy City, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” “Her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; and had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel.” “The twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass. And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.” Revelation 21:2, 11, 12, 21, 22 . AA 591.3"
EGW directly quotes Revelation 21:12.
Revelation 21:14
"And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb."
"twelve patriarchs stood as representatives of Israel, so the twelve apostles stand as representatives of the gospel church.— Idem, pages 18, 19 . GW 445.4"
Both passages draw a parallel between the twelve patriarchs of Israel and the twelve apostles. Revelation 21:14 mentions the twelve apostles as foundations, and EGW explicitly states the apostles represent the gospel church, similar to how the patriarchs represented Israel. This is a clear thematic parallel.
Revelation 21:21
"And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass."
"“And I John saw the Holy City, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” “Her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; and had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel.” “The twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass. And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.” Revelation 21:2, 11, 12, 21, 22 . AA 591.3"
EGW directly quotes Revelation 21:21.
"We have heard of the palms, the robes, the crowns, And the silvery band in white; Of the city fair, with pearly gates, All radiant with light. We have heard of the angels there, and saints, With their harps of gold, how they sing; Of the mount, with the fruitful tree of life, Of the leaves that healing bring. 1T 70.4"
The EGW passage mentions 'pearly gates' and a 'city fair, all radiant with light,' which are direct allusions to Revelation 21:21's description of the New Jerusalem. The connection is strong and explicit.
"Then the portals of the city of God are opened wide, and the angelic throng sweep through the gates amid a burst of rapturous music. DA 833.11"
Both passages describe the gates of the city of God, though the details differ. The connection is thematic, not a direct quote or explicit allusion.
"There is perfect order and harmony in the Holy City. All the angels that are commissioned to visit the earth hold a golden card, which they present to the angels at the gates of the city as they pass in and out. Heaven is a good place. I long to be there and behold my lovely Jesus, who gave His life for me, and be changed into His glorious image. Oh, for language to express the glory of the bright world to come! I thirst for the living streams that make glad the city of our God. EW 39.2"
Both passages describe aspects of the Holy City. Revelation 21:21 describes the gates and streets, while the EGW passage describes the order and harmony, and the angels. The connection is thematic, relating to the description of heaven.
Revelation 21:22
"And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it."
"“I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.” Revelation 21:22 . The people of God are privileged to hold open communion with the Father and the Son. “Now we see through a glass, darkly.” 1 Corinthians 13:12 . We behold the image of God reflected, as in a mirror, in the works of nature and in His dealings with men; but then we shall see Him face to face, without a dimming veil between. We shall stand in His presence and behold the glory of His countenance. GC 676.4"
Ellen White directly references Revelation 21:22 in this passage.
Revelation 21:23
"And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof."
"the Lamb is the light thereof.” Revelation 21:23 . Ed 301.5"
Ellen White directly references Revelation 21:23 in this passage.
"“The sun shall be no more thy light by day; Neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: But the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light, And thy God thy glory. PK 730.2"
Both passages describe a future state where God's light replaces the sun and moon. While not a direct quote, the thematic overlap is strong and significant.
"Jesus stood meek and humble before the infuriated multitude, while they offered Him the vilest abuse. They spit in His face—that face from which they will one day desire to hide, which will give light to the city of God and shine brighter than the sun. Christ did not cast upon the offenders an angry look. They covered His head with an old garment, blindfolding Him, and then struck Him in the face and cried out, “Prophesy, who is it that smote Thee?” There was commotion among the angels. They would have rescued Him instantly; but their commanding angels restrained them. EW 170.3"
The EGW passage mentions Jesus' face shining brighter than the sun and giving light to the city of God, which could be an allusion to Revelation 21:23, where the Lamb is the light of the city. However, the connection is not as direct as the other examples.
"Before us, on the other side of the chasm, was a beautiful field of green grass, about six inches high. I could not see the sun; but bright, soft beams of light, resembling fine gold and silver, were resting upon this field. Nothing I had seen upon earth could compare in beauty and glory with this field. But could we succeed in reaching it? was the anxious inquiry. Should the cord break, we must perish. Again, in whispered anguish, the words were breathed: “What holds the cord?” For a moment we hesitated to venture. Then we exclaimed: “Our only hope is to trust wholly to the cord. It has been our dependence all the difficult way. It will not fail us now.” Still we were hesitating and distressed. The words were then spoken: “God holds the cord. We need not fear.” These words were then repeated by those behind us, accompanied with: “He will not fail us now. He has brought us thus far in safety.” 2T 596.3"
Both passages describe a place of great beauty and light, with the light originating from a source other than the sun. Revelation describes the glory of God as the light of the city, while EGW describes a field illuminated by soft beams of light.
Revelation 21:27
"And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life."
"The book of life contains the names of all who have ever entered the service of God. Jesus bade His disciples: “Rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:20 . Paul speaks of his faithful fellow workers, “whose names are in the book of life.” Philippians 4:3 . Daniel, looking down to “a time of trouble, such as never was,” declares that God's people shall be delivered, “everyone that shall be found written in the book.” And the revelator says that those only shall enter the city of God whose names “are written in the Lamb's book of life.” Daniel 12:1 ; Revelation 21:27 . GC 480.3"
Ellen White directly references Revelation 21:27 in this passage.
From the stern punishment meted out to those perjurers, God would have us learn also how deep is His hatred and contempt for all hypocrisy and deception. In pretending that they had given all, Ananias and Sapphira lied to the Holy Spirit, and, as a result, they lost this life and the life that is to come. The same God who punished them, today condemns all falsehood. Lying lips are an abomination to Him. He declares that into the Holy City “there shall in no wise enter ... anything that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie.” Revelation 21:27 . Let truth telling be held with no loose hand or uncertain grasp. Let it become a part of the life. Playing fast and loose with truth, and dissembling to suit one's own selfish plans, means shipwreck of faith. “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth.” Ephesians 6:14 . He who utters untruths sells his soul in a cheap market. His falsehoods may seem to serve in emergencies; he may thus seem to make busin…
Ellen White directly references Revelation 21:27 in this passage.
"James says that the wisdom which is from above is “first pure” ( James 3:17 ). If he had seen his brethren using tobacco, would he not have denounced the practice as “earthly, sensual, devilish” ( verse 15 )? In this age of Christian light, how often the lips that take the precious name of Christ are defiled by tobacco spittle and the breath is polluted with the stench. Surely, the soul that can enjoy such uncleanness must also be defiled. As I have seen men who claimed to enjoy the blessing of entire sanctification, while they were slaves to tobacco, polluting everything around them, I have thought, How would heaven appear with tobacco users in it? God's word has plainly declared that “there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth” ( Revelation 21:27 ). How, then, can those who indulge this filthy habit hope to find admittance there? SL 30.3"
Ellen White directly references Revelation 21:27 in this passage.
"The apostle James declares that the wisdom from above is “first pure.” Had he encountered those who take the precious name of Jesus upon lips defiled by tobacco, those whose breath and person are contaminated by its foul odor, and who pollute the air of heaven and force all about them to inhale the poison—had the apostle come in contact with a practice so opposed to the purity of the gospel, would he not have denounced it as “earthly, sensual, devilish”? Slaves of tobacco, claiming the blessing of entire sanctification, talk of their hope of heaven; but God's word plainly declares that “there shall in no wise enter into it anything that defileth.” Revelation 21:27 . GC 474.3"
Ellen White directly references Revelation 21:27 in this passage.
"The Lord desires us to appreciate the great plan of redemption, to realize our high privilege as the children of God, and to walk before Him in obedience, with grateful thanksgiving. He desires us to serve Him in newness of life, with gladness every day. He longs to see gratitude welling up in our hearts because our names are written in the Lamb's book of life, because we may cast all our care upon Him who cares for us. He bids us rejoice because we are the heritage of the Lord, because the righteousness of Christ is the white robe of His saints, because we have the blessed hope of the soon coming of our Saviour. COL 299.2"
EGW directly mentions the 'Lamb's book of life,' which is a key phrase from Revelation 21:27. The context in EGW is also about salvation and belonging to God, aligning with the verse's meaning.
"When tempted to murmur, censure, and indulge in fretfulness, wounding those around you, and in so doing wounding your own soul, oh! let the deep, earnest, anxious inquiry come from your soul, Shall I stand without fault before the throne of God? Only the faultless will be there. None will be translated to heaven while their hearts are filled with the rubbish of earth. Every defect in the moral character must first be remedied, every stain removed by the cleansing blood of Christ, and all the unlovely, unlovable traits of character overcome. 1T 705.2"
Both passages discuss the exclusion of anything defiled from entering God's presence. EGW elaborates on the specific characteristics that constitute defilement.
"The converted student has broken the chain which bound him to the service of sin, and has placed himself in right relation to God. His name is enrolled in the Lamb's book of life. He is under solemn obligation to renounce evil and come under the jurisdiction of heaven. Through earnest prayer he is to cleave to Christ. To neglect this devotion, to refuse this service, is to become the sport of Satan's wiles. CT 496.2"
Both passages discuss being written in the Lamb's book of life as a result of conversion and relationship with God.
"Those who have chosen Satan as their leader and have been controlled by his power are not prepared to enter the presence of God. Pride, deception, licentiousness, cruelty, have become fixed in their characters. Can they enter heaven to dwell forever with those whom they despised and hated on earth? Truth will never be agreeable to a liar; meekness will not satisfy self-esteem and pride; purity is not acceptable to the corrupt; disinterested love does not appear attractive to the selfish. What source of enjoyment could heaven offer to those who are wholly absorbed in earthly and selfish interests? GC 542.1"
Both passages discuss the exclusion of certain characteristics (e.g., those who defile, lie, are prideful, etc.) from entering heaven or the presence of God.
"Then the redeemed will be welcomed to the home that Jesus is preparing for them. There their companions will not be the vile of earth, liars, idolaters, the impure, and unbelieving; but they will associate with those who have overcome Satan and through divine grace have formed perfect characters. Every sinful tendency, every imperfection, that afflicts them here has been removed by the blood of Christ, and the excellence and brightness of His glory, far exceeding the brightness of the sun, is imparted to them. And the moral beauty, the perfection of His character, shines through them, in worth far exceeding this outward splendor. They are without fault before the great white throne, sharing the dignity and the privileges of the angels. SC 126.1"
The EGW passage echoes the sentiment of Revelation 21:27 regarding the exclusion of the defiled and those who practice falsehood from the heavenly city. It elaborates on the characteristics of those who will not be present.
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honor thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the [new] earth.” “Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.” Children who dishonor and disobey their parents, and disregard their advice and instructions, can have no part in the earth made new. The purified new earth will be no place for the rebellious, the disobedient, the ungrateful, son or daughter. Unless such learn obedience and submission here, they will never learn it; the peace of the ransomed will not be marred by disobedient, unruly, unsubmissive children. No commandment breaker can inherit the kingdom of heaven. Will all the youth please read the fifth commandment of the law spoken by Jehovah from Sinai and engraven with His own finger upon tables of stone? “Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the …
Same as pair 1.