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
Romans 13:1
"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God."
"The apostle plainly outlined the attitude that believers should sustain toward the civil authorities: “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well-doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: as free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.” AA 522.2"
The EGW passage directly quotes Romans 13:1 and other verses from the same chapter, making it an explicit allusion.
"David's power had been given him by God, but to be exercised only in harmony with the divine law. When he commanded that which was contrary to God's law, it became sin to obey. “The powers that be are ordained of God” ( Romans 13:1 ), but we are not to obey them contrary to God's law. The apostle Paul, writing to the Corinthians, sets forth the principle by which we should be governed. He says, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1 . PP 719.3"
Ellen White directly references Romans 13:1 in this passage.
"This principle we in our day are firmly to maintain. The banner of truth and religious liberty held aloft by the founders of the gospel church and by God's witnesses during the centuries that have passed since then, has, in this last conflict, been committed to our hands. The responsibility for this great gift rests with those whom God has blessed with a knowledge of His word. We are to receive this word as supreme authority. We are to recognize human government as an ordinance of divine appointment, and teach obedience to it as a sacred duty, within its legitimate sphere. But when its claims conflict with the claims of God, we must obey God rather than men. God's word must be recognized as above all human legislation. A “Thus saith the Lord” is not to be set aside for a “Thus saith the church” or a “Thus saith the state.” The crown of Christ is to be lifted above the diadems of earthly potentates. AA 68.2"
EGW acknowledges human government as ordained by God, echoing the sentiment in Romans 13:1, while also clarifying the limits of that obedience when it conflicts with God's commands.
"***** Teach the people to conform in all things to the laws of their state when they can do so without conflicting with the law of God. 9T 238.3"
The EGW passage directly addresses the principle of obeying governing authorities, which is the central theme of Romans 13:1. The caveat about not conflicting with God's law is an important qualification.
"I saw that the Lord still has something to do with the laws of the land. While Jesus is in the sanctuary, God's restraining Spirit is felt by rulers and people. But Satan controls to a great extent the mass of the world, and were it not for the laws of the land, we should experience much suffering. I was shown that when it is actually necessary, and they are called upon to testify in a lawful manner, it is no violation of God's word for His children to solemnly take God to witness that what they say is the truth, and nothing but the truth. 1T 202.1"
Both passages discuss the role of earthly authorities and their relationship to God's will. EGW expands on the idea that God uses laws and rulers to restrain evil, which aligns with the principle of submission to governing authorities outlined in Romans 13:1.
But so long as Jesus remains man's intercessor in the sanctuary above, the restraining influence of the Holy Spirit is felt by rulers and people. It still controls to some extent the laws of the land. Were it not for these laws, the condition of the world would be much worse than it now is. While many of our rulers are active agents of Satan, God also has His agents among the leading men of the nation. The enemy moves upon his servants to propose measures that would greatly impede the work of God; but statesmen who fear the Lord are influenced by holy angels to oppose such propositions with unanswerable arguments. Thus a few men will hold in check a powerful current of evil. The opposition of the enemies of truth will be restrained that the third angel's message may do its work. When the final warning shall be given, it will arrest the attention of these leading men through whom the Lord is now working, and some of them will accept it, and will stand with the people of God through the …
EGW's discussion of rulers and laws being influenced by both Satan and God echoes the principle in Romans 13:1 that all power ultimately comes from God, even if some rulers are influenced by evil.
Some, I saw, have a prejudice against our rulers and laws; but if it were not for law, this world would be in an awful condition. God restrains our rulers; for the hearts of all are in His hands. Bounds are set, beyond which they cannot go. Many of the rulers are those whom Satan controls; but I saw that God has His agents, even among the rulers. And some of them will yet be converted to the truth. They are now acting the part that God would have them. When Satan works through his agents, propositions are made, that, if carried out, would impede the work of God and produce great evil. The good angels move upon these agents of God to oppose such propositions with strong reasons, which Satan's agents cannot resist. A few of God's agents will have power to bear down a great mass of evil. Thus the work will go on until the third message has done its work, and at the loud cry of the third angel, these agents will have an opportunity to receive the truth, and some of them will be converted, …
Both passages address the idea of submission to governing authorities. Romans 13:1 emphasizes that these authorities are ordained by God, while EGW acknowledges the necessity of law and order, even while noting that some rulers are influenced by Satan. There is a thematic overlap in the discussion of earthly powers.
Romans 13:3-4
"For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil."
"What can be done to press back the inflowing tide of evil? Let laws be enacted and rigidly enforced prohibiting the sale and the use of ardent spirits as a beverage. Let every effort be made to encourage the inebriate's return to temperance and virtue. But even more than this is needed to banish the curse of inebriety from our land. Let the appetite for intoxicating liquors be removed, and their use and sale is at an end. This work must to a great degree devolve upon parents. Let them, by observing strict temperance themselves, give the right stamp of character to their children, and then educate and train these children, in the fear of God, to habits of self-denial and self-control. Youth who have been thus trained will have moral stamina to resist temptation, and to control appetite and passion. They will stand unmoved by the folly and dissipation that are corrupting society. GW 388.1"
Both passages discuss the role of law and authority in addressing societal problems. Romans 13:3-4 speaks of rulers as ministers of God who punish evil, while White calls for laws prohibiting the sale and use of alcohol. Both see law as a tool for promoting good and restraining evil, although White emphasizes the need for more than just legal solutions.
Romans 13:4
"For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil."
"Love no less than justice demanded that for this sin judgment should be inflicted. God is the guardian as well as the sovereign of His people. He cuts off those who are determined upon rebellion, that they may not lead others to ruin. In sparing the life of Cain, God had demonstrated to the universe what would be the result of permitting sin to go unpunished. The influence exerted upon his descendants by his life and teaching led to the state of corruption that demanded the destruction of the whole world by a flood. The history of the antediluvians testifies that long life is not a blessing to the sinner; God's great forbearance did not repress their wickedness. The longer men lived, the more corrupt they became. PP 325.2"
Both passages discuss the role of authority in punishing evil. Romans 13:4 speaks of earthly authority, while EGW speaks of God's authority. The connection is thematic, not a direct principle.
Romans 13:8
"Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law."
"Some have not come up and united in the plan of systematic benevolence, excusing themselves because they were not free from debt. They plead that they must first “owe no man anything.” But the fact that they are in debt does not excuse them. I saw that they should render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. Some feel conscientious to “owe no man anything,” and think that God can require nothing of them until their debts are all paid. Here they deceive themselves. They fail to render to God the things that are His. Everyone must bring to the Lord a suitable offering. Those who are in debt should take the amount of their debts from what they possess, and give a proportion of the remainder. 1T 220.2"
EGW directly quotes and engages with the concept of 'owe no man anything' from Romans 13:8, using it as a counterpoint to her argument about systematic benevolence. The connection is direct and intentional.
"Jesus wrought a miracle and fed five thousand, and then He taught an important lesson of economy: “Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.” Duties, important duties, rest upon you. “Owe no man anything.” Were you infirm, were you unable to labor, then your brethren would be in duty bound to help you. As it is, all you needed from your brethren when you changed your location was a start. If you felt as ambitious as you should, and you and your wife would agree to live within your means, you could be free from embarrassment. You will have to labor for small wages as well as for large. Industry and economy would have placed your family, ere this, in a much more favorable condition. God wants you to be a faithful steward of your strength. He wants you to use it to place your family above want and dependence. 2T 435.3"
The EGW passage directly quotes Romans 13:8.
"How much better is this plan than for students to go through school without obtaining a practical education in field work, and, at the end of their course, leave under a burden of debt, with but little realization of the difficulties they will have to meet in new and untried fields! How hard it will be for them to meet the financial problems that are connected with pioneer work in foreign lands! And what a burden someone will have to carry until the debts incurred by the student have been paid! 9T 78.2"
The EGW passage directly addresses the issue of debt and its negative impact on students entering missionary work. This aligns with the principle in Romans 13:8 to 'owe no man anything.' The connection is clear and relevant.
"***** Chapter 13—Removal to Michigan In 1855 the brethren in Michigan opened the way for the office of publication to be removed to Battle Creek. At that time my husband was owing between two and three thousand dollars, and all he had besides the books on hand was accounts for books, and some of these were doubtful. The cause had apparently come to a halt, orders for publications were very few and small, and he feared that he would die in debt. Brethren in Michigan assisted us in obtaining a lot and building a house. The deed was made in my name, so that I could dispose of it at pleasure after the death of my husband. 1T 97"
The EGW passage mentions her husband owing a significant debt and fearing he would die in debt. This directly relates to the principle in Romans 13:8, 'Owe no man any thing.' While not an explicit allusion, the situation described in EGW's writing highlights the importance of the principle stated in Romans.
Romans 13:10
"Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law."
"“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.”— Matthew 5:6 . Righteousness is holiness, likeness to God, and “God is love.” 1 John 4:16 . It is conformity to the law of God, for “all Thy commandments are righteousness” ( Psalm 119:172 ), and “love is the fulfilling of the law” ( Romans 13:10 ). Righteousness is love, and love is the light and the life of God. The righteousness of God is embodied in Christ. We receive righteousness by receiving Him. MB 18"
Ellen White directly references Romans 13:10 in this passage.
"The law of God, from its very nature, is unchangeable. It is a revelation of the will and the character of its Author. God is love, and His law is love. Its two great principles are love to God and love to man. “Love is the fulfilling of the law.” Romans 13:10 . The character of God is righteousness and truth; such is the nature of His law. Says the psalmist: “Thy law is the truth:” “all Thy commandments are righteousness.” Psalm 119:142, 172 . And the apostle Paul declares: “The law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.” Romans 7:12 . Such a law, being an expression of the mind and will of God, must be as enduring as its Author. GC 467.1"
Ellen White directly references Romans 13:10 in this passage.
"And since all the commandments are summed up in love to God and man, it follows that not one precept can be broken without violating this principle. Thus Christ taught His hearers that the law of God is not so many separate precepts, some of which are of great importance, while others are of small importance and may with impunity be ignored. Our Lord presents the first four and the last six commandments as a divine whole, and teaches that love to God will be shown by obedience to all His commandments. DA 607.3"
Both passages connect love with fulfilling the law. EGW expands on this by linking it to the two great commandments, while Romans 13:10 focuses on love's impact on one's neighbor.
Romans 13:11
"And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed."
"An Appeal for Untiring Effort The Lord calls upon His people to arouse out of sleep. The end of all things is at hand. When those who know the truth will be laborers together with God, the fruits of righteousness will appear. By the revelation of the love of God in missionary effort many will be awakened to see the sinfulness of their own course of action. They will see that in the past their selfishness has disqualified them from being laborers together with God. The exhibition of the love of God as seen in unselfish ministry to others will be the means of leading many souls to believe the word of God just as it reads. 9T 40"
Both passages share the theme of awakening from spiritual slumber and recognizing the urgency of the times. The call to 'arouse out of sleep' in EGW directly parallels the call to 'awake out of sleep' in Romans 13:11.
Some of the ministers are asleep, and the people are also asleep; but Satan is wide awake. There is but little sacrificing for God or the truth. Ministers must set the example. In their labors they should show that they esteem eternal things of infinite value and earthly things as nothing in comparison. There are ministers preaching present truth who must be converted. Their understanding must be invigorated, their hearts purified, their affections centered in God. They should present the truth in a manner which will arouse the intellect to appreciate its excellence, purity, and sacredness. In order to do this, they should keep before their minds objects which are elevated and which have a purifying, quickening, and exalting influence upon the mind. They must have the purifying fire of truth burning upon the altar of their hearts, to influence and characterize their lives; then, go where they will, amid darkness and gloom, they will illuminate those in darkness with the light dwelling …
Both passages address a state of spiritual slumber and the need to awaken. EGW directly uses the concept of being 'asleep' in a spiritual context, mirroring the call to 'awake out of sleep' in Romans.
"Yet the world is asleep. The people know not the time of their visitation. COL 302.6"
Both passages emphasize the idea of spiritual slumber and the need to awaken to the present reality. The phrase 'knowing the time' and the call to 'awake out of sleep' in Romans 13:11 directly relate to EGW's statement about the world being asleep and not knowing the time of their visitation.
"God's people must take warning and discern the signs of the times. The signs of Christ's coming are too plain to be doubted, and in view of these things everyone who professes the truth should be a living preacher. God calls upon all, both preachers and people, to awake. All heaven is astir. The scenes of earth's history are fast closing. We are amid the perils of the last days. Greater perils are before us, and yet we are not awake. This lack of activity and earnestness in the cause of God is dreadful. This death stupor is from Satan. He controls the minds of unconsecrated Sabbathkeepers, and leads them to be jealous of one another, faultfinding, and censorious. It is his special work to divide hearts that the influence, strength, and labor of God's servants may be kept among unconsecrated Sabbathkeepers and their precious time be occupied in settling little differences when it should be spent in proclaiming the truth to unbelievers. 1T 260.3"
Both passages emphasize the need to 'awake' and be alert to the lateness of the hour, specifically in relation to salvation or Christ's coming.
"I was shown the greatness and importance of the work before us. But few realize the true state of things. All who are asleep, and who cannot realize any necessity for vigilance and alarm, will be overcome. Young men are arising to engage in the work of God, some of whom have scarcely any sense of the sacredness and responsibility of the work. They have but little experience in exercising faith and in earnest soul hunger for the Spirit of God, which ever brings returns. Some men of good capabilities, who might fill important positions, do not know what spirit they are of. They run in a jovial mood as naturally as water flows downhill. They talk nonsense, and sport with young girls, while almost daily listening to the most solemn, soul-stirring truths. These men have a religion of the head, but their hearts are not sanctified by the truths they hear. Such can never lead others to the Fountain of living waters until they have drunk of the stream themselves. 3T 473.3"
Both passages address the need for spiritual awakening and vigilance. Romans 13:11 urges people to 'awake out of sleep,' while the EGW passage warns that those who are asleep will be overcome. The connection is thematic, focusing on the importance of being spiritually alert.
Romans 13:12
"The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light."
My brother, you must make a strong, decided effort, or you will never be able to cast off the works of darkness. Satan looks upon you as his own. When you listen to the testimonies of God's servants, as at the late camp meeting, you are deeply convicted. But you do not respond to the impressions of the Spirit of God; and as you mingle with worldlings you drink in their spirit and are borne down by the worldly current, having no moral power to resist its influence. You become one with the world-loving, and your spirit is worse than theirs, for your choice is voluntary. You love the praise of men, and you love worldly possessions above Jesus. The love of mammon has been woven into every fiber of your being and has become all-absorbing. To eradicate it will be like plucking out the right eye or cutting off the right arm. But I speak to you as one who knows: Unless you overcome this intense love of money, it will cost you your soul's salvation, and then it would have been better for you ha…
EGW's call to 'cast off the works of darkness' directly parallels the language and concept found in Romans 13:12. Both passages urge believers to abandon sinful behaviors and embrace righteousness.
"The day is at hand. For the lessons to be learned, the work to be done, the transformation of character to be effected, the time remaining is but too brief a span. Ed 184.2"
Both passages speak of the nearness of 'the day' and imply a need for action and change in light of its approach. EGW's call for transformation of character aligns with Romans 13:12's call to 'cast off the works of darkness and put on the armour of light'.
Romans 13:14
"But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof."
Teachers, blessed are the pure in heart— now ; not, Blessed will be the pure in heart. “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8 . Yes, as did Moses, they shall endure the seeing of Him who is invisible. They have the assurance of the richest blessings, both in this life and in the life that is to come. CT 103.2 Students, if you will watch and pray, and make earnest efforts in the right direction, you will be thoroughly imbued with the spirit of Christ. “Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.” Romans 13:14 . Be determined that you will make the school a success. If you will heed the instruction given in the word of God you may go forth with a development of intellectual and moral power that will cause even angels to rejoice, and God will joy over you with singing. Under such discipline you will secure the fullest development of your faculties. Let not the buoyancy and the lust of youth through mani…
Ellen White directly references Romans 13:14 in this passage.
"If the church will put on the robe of Christ's righteousness, withdrawing from all allegiance with the world, there is before her the dawn of a bright and glorious day. God's promise to her will stand fast forever. He will make her an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations. Truth, passing by those who despise and reject it, will triumph. Although at times apparently retarded, its progress has never been checked. When the message of God meets with opposition, He gives it additional force, that it may exert greater influence. Endowed with divine energy, it will cut its way through the strongest barriers and triumph over every obstacle. AA 601.1"
The EGW passage speaks of putting on 'the robe of Christ's righteousness,' which is a clear allusion to the concept of putting on the Lord Jesus Christ in Romans 13:14. Both passages emphasize the importance of righteousness and separation from worldly desires.
"robe of Christ's righteousness. This is our only opportunity to form characters for the home which Christ has made ready for those who obey His commandments. COL 319.1"
Both passages discuss putting on Christ, although Romans 13:14 is more direct about it. EGW's reference to the 'robe of Christ's righteousness' is a clear echo of the concept of being clothed in Christ, which aligns with the idea of putting on Christ in Romans.
"Many of the amusements popular in the world today, even with those who claim to be Christians, tend to the same end as did those of the heathen. There are indeed few among them that Satan does not turn to account in destroying souls. Through the drama he has worked for ages to excite passion and glorify vice. The opera, with its fascinating display and bewildering music, the masquerade, the dance, the card table, Satan employs to break down the barriers of principle and open the door to sensual indulgence. In every gathering for pleasure where pride is fostered or appetite indulged, where one is led to forget God and lose sight of eternal interests, there Satan is binding his chains about the soul. PP 459.3"
EGW's statement about avoiding amusements that lead to sensual indulgence and forgetting God directly reflects the principle in Romans 13:14, which urges believers to avoid making provision for the flesh and its lusts. The connection is clear and represents a direct application of the biblical principle.
"hurtful lusts, groveling appetites, becloud your sense of sacred things. Why will not everyone who professes to love Jesus flee from these soul-destroying indulgences! The world is crazy after show and fashion and pleasure. Licentiousness is steadily and fearfully on the increase. Why will not Christians be true to their high profession! 4T 646.3"
EGW's call to flee from 'soul-destroying indulgences' and the world's focus on 'show and fashion' parallels Paul's instruction in Romans 13:14 to 'make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.' Both passages encourage a focus on spiritual matters rather than worldly desires.