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 5:1
"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:"
"When the Spirit of God controls mind and heart, the converted soul breaks forth into a new song; for he realizes that in his experience the promise of God has been fulfilled, that his transgression has been forgiven, his sin covered. He has exercised repentance toward God for the violation of the divine law, and faith toward Christ, who died for man's justification. “Being justified by faith,” he has “peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1 . AA 476.2"
Ellen White directly references Romans 5:1 in this passage.
"“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”— Matthew 5:9 . Christ is “the Prince of Peace” ( Isaiah 9:6 ), and it is His mission to restore to earth and heaven the peace that sin has broken. “Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1 . Whoever consents to renounce sin and open his heart to the love of Christ, becomes a partaker of this heavenly peace. MB 27"
Ellen White directly references Romans 5:1 in this passage.
"through the flesh”—it could not justify man, because in his sinful nature he could not keep the law—“God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Romans 5:1 ; 3:31 ; 8:3, 4 . PP 373.1"
Ellen White directly references Romans 5:1 in this passage.
There is another spiritual lesson in this miracle of the stilling of the tempest. Every man's experience testifies to the truth of the words of Scripture, “The wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest.... There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.” Isaiah 57:20, 21 . Sin has destroyed our peace. While self is unsubdued, we can find no rest. The masterful passions of the heart no human power can control. We are as helpless here as were the disciples to quiet the raging storm. But He who spoke peace to the billows of Galilee has spoken the word of peace for every soul. However fierce the tempest, those who turn to Jesus with the cry, “Lord, save us,” will find deliverance. His grace, that reconciles the soul to God, quiets the strife of human passion, and in His love the heart is at rest. “He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so He bringeth them unto their desired haven.” Psalm 107:29, 30 . “Being jus…
Ellen White directly references Romans 5:1 in this passage.
"With great clearness and power the apostle presented the doctrine of justification by faith in Christ. He hoped that other churches also might be helped by the instruction sent to the Christians at Rome; but how dimly could he foresee the far-reaching influence of his words! Through all the ages the great truth of justification by faith has stood as a mighty beacon to guide repentant sinners into the way of life. It was this light that scattered the darkness which enveloped Luther's mind and revealed to him the power of the blood of Christ to cleanse from sin. The same light has guided thousands of sin-burdened souls to the true Source of pardon and peace. For the epistle to the church at Rome, every Christian has reason to thank God. AA 373.3"
Both passages connect justification by faith with peace. The EGW passage expands on the impact of justification by faith, aligning with the principle of peace with God through Christ as stated in Romans 5:1.
"Precious was the message which he bore to the eager crowds that hung upon his words. Never before had such teachings fallen upon their ears. The glad tidings of a Saviour's love, the assurance of pardon and peace through His atoning blood, rejoiced their hearts and inspired within them an immortal hope. At Wittenberg a light was kindled whose rays should extend to the uttermost parts of the earth, and which was to increase in brightness to the close of time. GC 126.2"
Both passages discuss the concepts of justification, peace, and the role of Jesus Christ. The EGW passage speaks of 'pardon and peace through His atoning blood,' which directly relates to the justification and peace mentioned in Romans 5:1.
"At this time I began to pray the Lord to prepare me for death. When Christian friends visited the family, they would ask my mother if she had talked with me about dying. I overheard this, and it roused me. I desired to become a Christian, and prayed earnestly for the forgiveness of my sins. I felt a peace of mind resulting, and loved every one, feeling desirous that all should have their sins forgiven, and love Jesus as I did. LS 18.3"
Both passages connect forgiveness of sins with peace. EGW describes feeling 'a peace of mind' after praying for forgiveness, while Romans 5:1 states that being justified by faith leads to peace with God. The connection is thematic, focusing on the result of justification/forgiveness.
"At this time I began to pray the Lord to prepare me for death. When Christian friends visited the family, they would ask my mother if she had talked to me about dying. I overheard this, and it roused me. I desired to become a Christian, and prayed earnestly for the forgiveness of my sins. I felt a peace of mind resulting, and loved everyone, feeling desirous that all should have their sins forgiven and love Jesus as I did. 1T 11.2"
The EGW passage describes feeling a 'peace of mind' after praying for forgiveness. Romans 5:1 speaks of having 'peace with God' through justification by faith. Both passages link faith/repentance with a sense of peace.
"Jacob had received the blessing for which his soul had longed. His sin as a supplanter and deceiver had been pardoned. The crisis in his life was past. Doubt, perplexity, and remorse had embittered his existence, but now all was changed; and sweet was the peace of reconciliation with God. Jacob no longer feared to meet his brother. God, who had forgiven his sin, could move the heart of Esau also to accept his humiliation and repentance. PP 198.1"
The EGW passage describes Jacob's reconciliation with God and the resulting peace. Romans 5:1 speaks of peace with God through justification by faith. While not a direct quote or explicit allusion, the theme of reconciliation and peace with God connects the two passages.
Romans 5:3
"And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;"
"We were disappointed, but not disheartened. We resolved to submit patiently to the process of purifying that God deemed needful for us, and to wait with patient hope for the Saviour to redeem His tried and faithful ones. 1T 56.3"
Both passages connect tribulation/disappointment with patience. The EGW passage speaks of disappointment and resolving to submit patiently, while Romans 5:3 states that tribulation worketh patience. This is a clear thematic parallel.
"The grace of God sustained Paul in his imprisonment, enabling him to rejoice in tribulation. With faith and assurance he wrote to his Philippian brethren that his imprisonment had resulted in the furtherance of the gospel. “I would ye should understand, brethren,” he declared, “that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; so that my bonds with Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; and many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.” AA 480.2"
Both passages discuss rejoicing in tribulation, but the connection is not a direct quote or explicit reference. The theme is similar, but the specific context and wording differ significantly.
Romans 5:3-4
"And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope:"
"might work in you patience, and patience experience, and experience hope. He permitted trials to come upon you, that, through them, you might experience the peaceable fruits of righteousness. 3T 416.1"
The EGW passage directly echoes the sequence of tribulation leading to patience, experience, and hope as described in Romans 5:3-4. The connection is clear and intentional.
"In patient forbearance we shall conquer. It is patience in service that brings rest to the soul. It is through humble, diligent, faithful toilers that the welfare of Israel is promoted. A word of love and encouragement will do more to subdue the hasty temper and willful disposition than all the faultfinding and censure that you can heap upon the erring one. 7T 266.3"
Both passages connect suffering/difficult situations with the development of patience. While the EGW passage focuses on patience in service and its effect on others, and Romans 5:3-4 focuses on tribulation leading to patience and hope, the underlying theme of patience being cultivated through trials is present in both.
"And he brings forth fruit “with patience.” None who receive God's word are exempt from difficulty and trial; but when affliction comes, the true Christian does not become restless, distrustful, or despondent. Though we can not see the definite outcome of affairs, or discern the purpose of God's providences, we are not to cast away our confidence. Remembering the tender mercies of the Lord, we should cast our care upon Him, and with patience wait for His salvation. COL 60.4"
Both passages connect tribulation with the development of patience. While EGW doesn't directly quote Romans 5:3-4, the theme of tribulation leading to patience and spiritual growth is present in both.
Romans 5:3-5
"And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."
"Not in freedom from trial, but in the midst of it, is Christian character developed. Exposure to rebuffs and opposition leads the follower of Christ to greater watchfulness and more earnest prayer to the mighty Helper. Severe trial endured by the grace of God develops patience, vigilance, fortitude, and a deep and abiding trust in God. It is the triumph of the Christian faith that it enables its followers to suffer and be strong; to submit, and thus to conquer; to be killed all the day long, and yet to live; to bear the cross, and thus to win the crown of glory. AA 467.3"
Both passages discuss the development of Christian character through trials and tribulations, leading to patience, strength, and trust in God. The EGW passage expands on the themes presented in Romans 5:3-5.
"Through conflict the spiritual life is strengthened. Trials well borne will develop steadfastness of character and precious spiritual graces. The perfect fruit of faith, meekness, and love often matures best amid storm clouds and darkness. COL 61.1"
Both passages discuss the strengthening of character and spiritual growth through trials and tribulations. The EGW passage expands on the idea of developing 'steadfastness of character' and 'precious spiritual graces' during difficult times, echoing the sentiment in Romans 5:3-5 about tribulation leading to patience, experience, and hope.
"The true way of dealing with trial is not by seeking to escape it, but by transforming it. This applies to all discipline, the earlier as well as the later. The neglect of the child's earliest training, and the consequent strengthening of wrong tendencies, makes his after education more difficult, and causes discipline to be too often a painful process. Painful it must be to the lower nature, crossing, as it does, the natural desires and inclinations; but the pain may be lost sight of in a higher joy. Ed 295.3"
Both passages discuss the transformative power of trials and discipline. The EGW passage speaks of transforming trials and finding joy in discipline, while Romans 5:3-5 describes how tribulation leads to patience, experience, and hope. The core idea of growth through adversity is present in both.
"494.1 Men of might and power in this cause, whom God will use to His glory, are those who have been opposed, baffled, and thwarted in their plans. Brethren B and C might have turned their own failures into important victories; but, instead of this, they have shunned the responsibilities which would make liability to mistakes possible. These precious brethren have failed to gain that education which is strengthened by experience and which reading and study and all the advantages otherwise gained will never give them. 3T 494.2"
Both passages discuss the idea that difficulties and challenges can lead to growth, experience, and ultimately, strength. EGW speaks of turning failures into victories, while Romans speaks of tribulation working patience and experience.
"Opposing circumstances should create a firm determination to overcome them. One barrier broken down will give greater ability and courage to go forward. Press in the right direction, and make a change, solidly, intelligently. Then circumstances will be your helpers and not your hindrances. Make a beginning. The oak is in the acorn. 6T 145.2"
Both passages discuss how overcoming challenges leads to growth and hope. Romans 5:3-5 describes how tribulation leads to patience, experience, and hope, while the EGW passage emphasizes that overcoming barriers leads to greater ability and courage. The 'oak is in the acorn' analogy reinforces the idea of potential growth from small beginnings.
"The grace of God sustained Paul in his imprisonment, enabling him to rejoice in tribulation. With faith and assurance he wrote to his Philippian brethren that his imprisonment had resulted in the furtherance of the gospel. “I would ye should understand, brethren,” he declared, “that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; so that my bonds with Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; and many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.” AA 480.2"
Both passages discuss rejoicing in tribulation and its positive effects, although Romans 5:3-5 is more general and doesn't specifically relate to imprisonment.
"It is because God is leading them that these things come upon them. Trials and obstacles are the Lord's chosen methods of discipline and His appointed conditions of success. He who reads the hearts of men knows their characters better than they themselves know them. He sees that some have powers and susceptibilities which, rightly directed, might be used in the advancement of His work. In His providence He brings these persons into different positions and varied circumstances that they may discover in their character the defects which have been concealed from their own knowledge. He gives them opportunity to correct these defects and to fit themselves for His service. Often He permits the fires of affliction to assail them that they may be purified. MH 471.1"
Both passages discuss the idea that trials and tribulations can lead to positive character development and a deeper relationship with God. EGW expands on the purpose of trials as a means of discovering and correcting defects.
"***** Let the child and the youth be taught that every mistake, every fault, every difficulty, conquered, becomes a steppingstone to better and higher things. It is through such experiences that all who have ever made life worth the living have achieved success.— Education, 296 . CT 60.3"
The EGW passage describes how overcoming difficulties leads to growth and success, acting as stepping stones. Romans 5:3-5 presents a similar idea, stating that tribulation leads to patience, experience, and hope. The thematic parallel is clear: both passages emphasize the positive role of challenges in personal development.
"Many of your afflictions have been visited upon you, in the wisdom of God, to bring you closer to the throne of grace. He softens and subdues His children by sorrows and trials. This world is God's workshop, where He fashions us for the courts of heaven. He uses the planing knife upon our quivering hearts until the roughness and irregularities are removed and we are fitted for our proper places in the heavenly building. Through tribulation and distress the Christian becomes purified and strengthened, and develops a character after the model that Christ has given. The influence of a true, godly life cannot be measured. It reaches beyond the immediate circle of home and friends, shedding a light that wins souls to Jesus. 4T 143.2"
The EGW passage aligns with the concept in Romans 5:3-5 that tribulations lead to patience, experience, and hope, ultimately strengthening character.
"On the journey to New York, our faith was tried, but we obtained the victory. My strength increased, and I could rejoice in God. Many had embraced the truth since our first visit, but there was much to be done for them, and all our strength was needed in the work as it opened up before us. LS 128.2"
The EGW passage describes a trial of faith leading to victory and increased strength, which aligns with the Romans passage about tribulation leading to patience, experience, and hope. The connection is thematic, focusing on the positive outcomes of trials.
"to learn that chastisement is a part of His great plan and that under the rod of affliction the Christian may sometimes do more for the Master than when engaged in active service. AA 481.1"
Both passages touch on the idea that suffering can lead to positive outcomes, but the connection is less direct than with Hebrews 12:6. Romans 5:3-5 focuses on the process of tribulation leading to hope, while EGW focuses on chastisement leading to greater service.
Romans 5:5
"And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."
"The assurance of a Saviour's love seemed too much for some of these poor tempest-tossed souls to realize. So great was the relief which it brought, such a flood of light was shed upon them, that they seemed transported to heaven. Their hands were laid confidingly in the hand of Christ; their feet were planted upon the Rock of Ages. All fear of death was banished. They could now covet the prison and the fagot if they might thereby honor the name of their Redeemer. GC 74.2"
The EGW passage speaks of the assurance of a Saviour's love and a flood of light, which thematically aligns with Romans 5:5, where the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost. Both passages emphasize the transformative power of divine love.
"This was the happiest year of my life. My heart was full of glad expectation; but I felt great pity and anxiety for those who were in discouragement and had no hope in Jesus. We united, as a people, in earnest prayer for a true experience and the unmistakable evidence of our acceptance with God. LS 59.2"
The EGW passage mentions feeling pity for those without hope in Jesus, while Romans 5:5 speaks of hope not being disappointing because of God's love. The connection lies in the contrast between having hope in Jesus and lacking it, and the source of that hope.
Romans 5:8
"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
“If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” Mark 9:23 . It is faith that connects us with heaven and brings us strength for coping with the powers of darkness. In Christ, God has provided means for subduing every evil trait and resisting every temptation, however strong. But many feel that they lack faith, and therefore they remain away from Christ. Let these souls, in their helpless unworthiness, cast themselves upon the mercy of their compassionate Saviour. Look not to self, but to Christ. He who healed the sick and cast out demons when He walked among men is still the same mighty Redeemer. Then grasp His promises as leaves from the tree of life: “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37 . As you come to Him, believe that He accepts you, because He has promised. You can never perish while you do this—never. MH 65.4 “God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 . MH 66.1 And “if G…
Ellen White directly references Romans 5:8 in this passage.
"When it appeared to Luther that all was lost, God raised up a friend and helper for him. The pious Staupitz opened the word of God to Luther's mind and bade him look away from himself, cease the contemplation of infinite punishment for the violation of God's law, and look to Jesus, his sin-pardoning Saviour. “Instead of torturing yourself on account of your sins, throw yourself into the Redeemer's arms. Trust in Him, in the righteousness of His life, in the atonement of His death.... Listen to the Son of God. He became man to give you the assurance of divine favor.” “Love Him who first loved you.”— Ibid., b. 2, ch. 4. Thus spoke this messenger of mercy. His words made a deep impression upon Luther's mind. After many a struggle with long-cherished errors, he was enabled to grasp the truth, and peace came to his troubled soul. GC 123.3"
The EGW passage directly quotes "Love Him who first loved you" and the overall theme of Staupitz's message to Luther is that of God's love being extended to sinners through Christ's sacrifice, which is the core message of Romans 5:8.
"And love will be revealed in sacrifice. The plan of redemption was laid in sacrifice—a sacrifice so broad and deep and high that it is immeasurable. Christ gave all for us, and those who receive Christ will be ready to sacrifice all for the sake of their Redeemer. The thought of His honor and glory will come before anything else. COL 49.2"
The EGW passage echoes the sentiment of Romans 5:8, highlighting the sacrificial love of Christ demonstrated through His death for sinners. It's a direct principle derived from the verse.
"When we trust God fully, when we rely upon the merits of Jesus as a sin-pardoning Saviour, we shall receive all the help that we can desire. Let none look to self, as though they had power to save themselves. Jesus died for us because we were helpless to do this. In Him is our hope, our justification, our righteousness. When we see our sinfulness we should not despond and fear that we have no Saviour, or that He has no thoughts of mercy toward us. At this very time He is inviting us to come to Him in our helplessness and be saved. PP 431.4"
Both passages highlight that Christ died for us while we were sinners, emphasizing God's love and our helplessness. The theme of Christ's sacrifice for the undeserving is central to both.
"What surpassing love and condescension, that when we had no claim upon divine mercy, Christ was willing to undertake our redemption! But our great Physician requires of every soul unquestioning submission. We are never to prescribe for our own case. Christ must have the entire management of will and action. 5T 219.1"
Both passages highlight God's love and Christ's sacrifice for humanity. EGW connects this to the need for submission to Christ's will and allowing Him to manage our lives, while Romans 5:8 focuses on the demonstration of God's love through Christ's death for sinners.
"Some seem to feel that they must be on probation, and must prove to the Lord that they are reformed, before they can claim His blessing. But they may claim the blessing of God even now. They must have His grace, the Spirit of Christ, to help their infirmities, or they cannot resist evil. Jesus loves to have us come to Him just as we are, sinful, helpless, dependent. We may come with all our weakness, our folly, our sinfulness, and fall at His feet in penitence. It is His glory to encircle us in the arms of His love and to bind up our wounds, to cleanse us from all impurity. SC 52.2"
Both passages highlight God's love for us even in our sinful state. Romans 5:8 emphasizes that Christ died for us while we were still sinners, and the EGW passage emphasizes that Jesus loves us to come to Him just as we are, sinful and helpless.
"As the guilty pair listened to these words, they were inspired with hope; for in the prophecy concerning the breaking of Satan's power they discerned a promise of deliverance from the ruin wrought through transgression. Though they must suffer from the power of their adversary because they had fallen under his seductive influence and had chosen to disobey the plain command of Jehovah, yet they need not yield to utter despair. The Son of God was offering to atone with His own lifeblood for their transgression. To them was to be granted a period of probation, during which, through faith in the power of Christ to save, they might become once more the children of God. PK 681.3"
Both passages deal with the hope of redemption offered through Christ after sin entered the world. Romans 5:8 speaks of Christ's death for sinners, while the EGW passage speaks of the promise of deliverance through Christ's sacrifice after the fall. The connection is thematic, but not a direct allusion.
"Joseph, through his bondage in Egypt, became a savior to his father's family; yet this fact did not lessen the guilt of his brothers. So the crucifixion of Christ by His enemies made Him the Redeemer of mankind, the Saviour of the fallen race, and Ruler over the whole world; but the crime of His murderers was just as heinous as though God's providential hand had not controlled events for His own glory and the good of man. PP 239.3"
Both passages deal with the love of God demonstrated through the sacrifice of Christ. While not a direct allusion, the EGW passage amplifies the theme of Christ's death as an act of love and redemption.
Romans 5:10
"For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life."
"Christ's death proves God's great love for man. It is our pledge of salvation. To remove the cross from the Christian would be like blotting the sun from the sky. The cross brings us near to God, reconciling us to Him. With the relenting compassion of a father's love, Jehovah looks upon the suffering that His Son endured in order to save the race from eternal death, and accepts us in the Beloved. AA 209.3"
The EGW passage directly echoes the concept of reconciliation through Christ's death and God's love, as presented in Romans 5:10. The idea of being accepted 'in the Beloved' also aligns with the reconciliation theme.
Romans 5:11
"And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement."
"Without the cross, man could have no union with the Father. On it depends our every hope. From it shines the light of the Saviour's love, and when at the foot of the cross the sinner looks up to the One who died to save him, he may rejoice with fullness of joy, for his sins are pardoned. Kneeling in faith at the cross, he has reached the highest place to which man can attain. AA 209.4"
Both passages link the work of Christ to joy and atonement. Romans 5:11 speaks of 'joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement,' while EGW speaks of rejoicing with fullness of joy and sins being pardoned at the foot of the cross.
Romans 5:12
"Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:"
In the midst of Eden grew the tree of life, whose fruit had the power of perpetuating life. Had Adam remained obedient to God, he would have continued to enjoy free access to this tree and would have lived forever. But when he sinned he was cut off from partaking of the tree of life, and he became subject to death. The divine sentence, “Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return,” points to the utter extinction of life. GC 532.3 Immortality, promised to man on condition of obedience, had been forfeited by transgression. Adam could not transmit to his posterity that which he did not possess; and there could have been no hope for the fallen race had not God, by the sacrifice of His Son, brought immortality within their reach. While “death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned,” Christ “hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” Romans 5:12 ; 2 Timothy 1:10 . And only through Christ can immortality be obtained. Said Jesus: “He that believeth on the Son hat…
Ellen White directly references Romans 5:12 in this passage.
"To Eve it seemed a small thing to disobey God by tasting the fruit of the forbidden tree, and to tempt her husband also to transgress; but their sin opened the floodgates of woe upon the world. Who can know, in the moment of temptation, the terrible consequences that will result from one wrong step? PP 61.2"
The EGW passage directly echoes the principle in Romans 5:12 that sin brought death and woe into the world through one man's transgression. It amplifies the consequences of a single act of disobedience.
"Adam and Eve persuaded themselves that in so small a matter as eating of the forbidden fruit there could not result such terrible consequences as God had declared. But this small matter was the transgression of God's immutable and holy law, and it separated man from God and opened the floodgates of death and untold woe upon our world. Age after age there has gone up from our earth a continual cry of mourning, and the whole creation groaneth and travaileth together in pain as a consequence of man's disobedience. Heaven itself has felt the effects of his rebellion against God. Calvary stands as a memorial of the amazing sacrifice required to atone for the transgression of the divine law. Let us not regard sin as a trivial thing. SC 33.1"
The EGW passage directly echoes the principle in Romans 5:12 that sin entered the world through one man (Adam) and brought death and suffering. The EGW passage expands on the consequences of that sin, but the core principle is clearly derived from Romans 5:12.
"In drooping flower and falling leaf Adam and his companion witnessed the first signs of decay. Vividly was brought to their minds the stern fact that every living thing must die. Even the air, upon which their life depended, bore the seeds of death. Ed 26.3"
EGW's passage illustrates the principle of death entering the world through sin, as described in Romans 5:12. The drooping flower and falling leaf are presented as tangible examples of this principle, making the connection direct and meaningful.
"But by disobedience this was forfeited. Through sin the divine likeness was marred, and well-nigh obliterated. Man's physical powers were weakened, his mental capacity was lessened, his spiritual vision dimmed. He had become subject to death. Yet the race was not left without hope. By infinite love and mercy the plan of salvation had been devised, and a life of probation was granted. To restore in man the image of his Maker, to bring him back to the perfection in which he was created, to promote the development of body, mind, and soul, that the divine purpose in his creation might be realized—this was to be the work of redemption. This is the object of education, the great object of life. Ed 15.2"
The EGW passage directly addresses the consequences of sin entering the world, mirroring the theme in Romans 5:12 regarding sin and death. It expands on the concept of the marred divine likeness and the plan of salvation as a response to this fallen state.
"The controlling power of appetite will prove the ruin of thousands, when, if they had conquered on this point, they would have had moral power to gain the victory over every other temptation of Satan. But those who are slaves to appetite will fail in perfecting Christian character. The continual transgression of man for six thousand years has brought sickness, pain, and death as its fruits. And as we near the close of time, Satan's temptation to indulge appetite will be more powerful and more difficult to overcome. 3T 491.3"
Both passages connect sin/transgression with negative consequences (death, sickness, ruin). EGW specifically links appetite to this, while Romans 5:12 speaks of sin entering the world through one man and bringing death.
"Man came from the hand of God perfect in every faculty of mind and body; in perfect soundness, therefore in perfect health. It took more than two thousand years of indulgence of appetite and lustful passions to create such a state of things in the human organism as would lessen vital force. Through successive generations the tendency was more swiftly downward. Indulgence of appetite and passion combined led to excess and violence; debauchery and abominations of every kind weakened the energies and brought upon the race diseases of every type, until the vigor and glory of the first generations passed away, and, in the third generation from Adam, man began to show signs of decay. Successive generations after the Flood degenerated more rapidly. 4T 29.3"
Both passages discuss the introduction of sin and its consequences on human health and longevity. Romans 5:12 establishes the principle of sin entering the world through one man and its resulting death, while the EGW passage elaborates on the gradual decline in human vitality due to sin and indulgence over generations. The EGW passage amplifies the consequences of the principle introduced in Romans.
"The fall of man filled all heaven with sorrow. The world that God had made was blighted with the curse of sin and inhabited by beings doomed to misery and death. There appeared no escape for those who had transgressed the law. Angels ceased their songs of praise. Throughout the heavenly courts there was mourning for the ruin that sin had wrought. PP 63.1"
The EGW passage describes the consequences of the fall, including death, which aligns with the concept introduced in Romans 5:12 about sin and death entering the world through one man.
"As they witnessed in drooping flower and falling leaf the first signs of decay, Adam and his companion mourned more deeply than men now mourn over their dead. The death of the frail, delicate flowers was indeed a cause of sorrow; but when the goodly trees cast off their leaves, the scene brought vividly to mind the stern fact that death is the portion of every living thing. PP 62.1"
The EGW passage reflects on the impact of death entering the world, as described in Romans 5:12. While not a direct quote, it explores the emotional and psychological consequences of mortality, drawing a thematic parallel to the biblical concept of death as a result of sin.
Thus were revealed to Adam important events in the history of mankind, from the time when the divine sentence was pronounced in Eden, to the Flood, and onward to the first advent of the Son of God. He was shown that while the sacrifice of Christ would be of sufficient value to save the whole world, many would choose a life of sin rather than of repentance and obedience. Crime would increase through successive generations, and the curse of sin would rest more and more heavily upon the human race, upon the beasts, and upon the earth. The days of man would be shortened by his own course of sin; he would deteriorate in physical stature and endurance and in moral and intellectual power, until the world would be filled with misery of every type. Through the indulgence of appetite and passion men would become incapable of appreciating the great truths of the plan of redemption. Yet Christ, true to the purpose for which He left heaven, would continue His interest in men, and still invite them …
Both passages connect sin with death entering the world. EGW elaborates on the consequences of Adam's sin, which is the core concept in Romans 5:12.
"It was not only because of the scene before Him that Christ wept. The weight of the grief of ages was upon Him. He saw the terrible effects of the transgression of God's law. He saw that in the history of the world, beginning with the death of Abel, the conflict between good and evil had been unceasing. Looking down the years to come, He saw the suffering and sorrow, tears and death, that were to be the lot of men. His heart was pierced with the pain of the human family of all ages and in all lands. The woes of the sinful race were heavy upon His soul, and the fountain of His tears was broken up as He longed to relieve all their distress. DA 534.2"
Romans 5:12 establishes the principle that sin entered the world through one man, leading to death for all. The EGW passage directly reflects this principle by stating that Christ saw the terrible effects of the transgression of God's law, including suffering, tears, and death.
"of God's great plan for our recovery from the Fall. CT 274.2"
Both passages refer to the consequences of the Fall. Romans 5:12 describes how sin entered the world through one man, and the EGW passage refers to God's plan for recovery from the Fall. While not a direct quote, the connection is clear.
Romans 5:19
"For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous."
"It was possible for Adam, before the fall, to form a righteous character by obedience to God's law. But he failed to do this, and because of his sin our natures are fallen and we cannot make ourselves righteous. Since we are sinful, unholy, we cannot perfectly obey the holy law. We have no righteousness of our own with which to meet the claims of the law of God. But Christ has made a way of escape for us. He lived on earth amid trials and temptations such as we have to meet. He lived a sinless life. He died for us, and now He offers to take our sins and give us His righteousness. If you give yourself to Him, and accept Him as your Saviour, then, sinful as your life may have been, for His sake you are accounted righteous. Christ's character stands in place of your character, and you are accepted before God just as if you had not sinned. SC 62.2"
EGW's statement about Adam's disobedience leading to sinfulness and Christ's obedience leading to righteousness directly reflects the core principle articulated in Romans 5:19. The connection is strong and central to the passage.
"From the time of Adam to that of Christ, self-indulgence had increased the power of the appetites and passions, until they had almost unlimited control. Thus men had become debased and diseased, and of themselves it was impossible for them to overcome. In man's behalf, Christ conquered by enduring the severest test. For our sake He exercised a self-control stronger than hunger or death. And in this first victory were involved other issues that enter into all our conflicts with the powers of darkness. DA 117.4"
The EGW passage discusses Christ's victory over temptation and its impact on humanity's ability to overcome sin. This aligns with the theme of Romans 5:19, which contrasts Adam's disobedience with Christ's obedience and its effect on righteousness. The EGW passage expands on the implications of Christ's obedience in the context of overcoming temptation.
Romans 5:20
"Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:"
"The work of redemption will be complete. In the place where sin abounded, God's grace much more abounds. The earth itself, the very field that Satan claims as his, is to be not only ransomed but exalted. Our little world, under the curse of sin the one dark blot in His glorious creation, will be honored above all other worlds in the universe of God. Here, where the Son of God tabernacled in humanity; where the King of glory lived and suffered and died,—here, when He shall make all things new, 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.” And through endless ages as the redeemed walk in the light of the Lord, they will praise Him for His unspeakable Gift,— Immanuel, “God with us.” DA 26.3"
EGW directly references the principle of grace abounding where sin abounds, mirroring Romans 5:20. The context and application are consistent.