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 7:6
"But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter."
"The man who attempts to keep the commandments of God from a sense of obligation merely—because he is required to do so—will never enter into the joy of obedience. He does not obey. When the requirements of God are accounted a burden because they cut across human inclination, we may know that the life is not a Christian life. True obedience is the outworking of a principle within. It springs from the love of righteousness, the love of the law of God. The essence of all righteousness is loyalty to our Redeemer. This will lead us to do right because it is right—because right doing is pleasing to God. COL 97.3"
Both passages contrast obedience based on obligation with obedience based on inner transformation and love. Romans 7:6 speaks of serving in the newness of the spirit, while EGW speaks of true obedience springing from the love of righteousness.
"The fanaticism was checked for a time; but several years later it broke out with greater violence and more terrible results. Said Luther, concerning the leaders in this movement: “To them the Holy Scriptures were but a dead letter, and they all began to cry, ‘The Spirit! the Spirit!’ But most assuredly I will not follow where their spirit leads them. May God of His mercy preserve me from a church in which there are none but saints. I desire to dwell with the humble, the feeble, the sick, who know and feel their sins, and who groan and cry continually to God from the bottom of their hearts to obtain His consolation and support.”—Ibid., b. 10, ch. 10. GC 190.4"
Both passages contrast the 'letter' and the 'spirit'. Luther's quote criticizes those who claim to be led by the Spirit while neglecting Scripture, which aligns with the idea of serving in 'newness of spirit' rather than 'oldness of the letter' in Romans 7:6.
Romans 7:7
"What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet."
"The tenth commandment strikes at the very root of all sins, prohibiting the selfish desire, from which springs the sinful act. He who in obedience to God's law refrains from indulging even a sinful desire for that which belongs to another will not be guilty of an act of wrong toward his fellow creatures. PP 309.5"
Both passages connect law, specifically the prohibition against coveting, with the root of sin and sinful desires. EGW expands on the principle found in Romans 7:7.
"The sacrifice demanded by their transgression revealed to Adam and Eve the sacred character of the law of God; and they saw, as they had never seen before, the guilt of sin and its dire results. In their remorse and anguish they pleaded that the penalty might not fall upon Him whose love had been the source of all their joy; rather let it descend upon them and their posterity. PP 66.3"
The EGW passage discusses the revelation of sin's guilt through the law, which is a theme present in Romans 7:7. However, the connection is not a direct allusion or principle, but rather a thematic overlap. The EGW passage focuses on Adam and Eve's understanding of sin after transgression, while Romans 7:7 speaks more generally about the law's role in revealing sin. The connection is weak, hence the reduced confidence.
Romans 7:9
"For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died."
"Paul says that as “touching the righteousness which is in the law”—as far as outward acts were concerned— he was “blameless” ( Philippians 3:6 ); but when the spiritual character of the law was discerned, he saw himself a sinner. Judged by the letter of the law as men apply it to the outward life, he had abstained from sin; but when he looked into the depths of its holy precepts, and saw himself as God saw him, he bowed in humiliation and confessed his guilt. He says, “I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.” Romans 7:9 . When he saw the spiritual nature of the law, sin appeared in its true hideousness, and his self-esteem was gone. SC 29.3"
Ellen White directly references Romans 7:9 in this passage.
Romans 7:12
"Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good."
"Men had well-nigh lost the knowledge of the true God. Their minds were darkened by idolatry. For the divine statutes, which are “holy, and just, and good” ( Romans 7:12 ), men were endeavoring to substitute laws in harmony with the purposes of their own cruel, selfish hearts. Yet God in His mercy did not blot them out of existence. He purposed to give them opportunity for becoming acquainted with Him through His church. He designed that the principles revealed through His people should be the means of restoring the moral image of God in man. PK 15.2"
EGW directly quotes Romans 7:12.
"Since “the law of the Lord is perfect,” every variation from it must be evil. Those who disobey the commandments of God, and teach others to do so, are condemned by Christ. The Saviour's life of obedience maintained the claims of the law; it proved that the law could be kept in humanity, and showed the excellence of character that obedience would develop. All who obey as He did are likewise declaring that the law is “holy, and just, and good.” Romans 7:12 . On the other hand, all who break God's commandments are sustaining Satan's claim that the law is unjust, and cannot be obeyed. Thus they second the deceptions of the great adversary, and cast dishonor upon God. They are the children of the wicked one, who was the first rebel against God's law. To admit them into heaven would again bring in the elements of discord and rebellion, and imperil the well-being of the universe. No man who willfully disregards one principle of the law shall enter the kingdom of heaven. DA 308.4"
EGW directly quotes Romans 7:12.
"Concerning the law proclaimed from Sinai, Nehemiah says, “Thou camest down also upon Mount Sinai, and spakest with them from heaven, and gavest them right judgments, and true laws, good statutes and commandments .” Nehemiah 9:13 . And Paul, “the apostle to the Gentiles,” declares, “The law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.” Romans 7:12 . This can be no other than the Decalogue; for it is the law that says, “Thou shalt not covet.” Verse 7 . PP 365.2"
EGW directly quotes Romans 7:12 and uses it to support her argument about the nature of the law, making it an explicit allusion.
The men of Babel had determined to establish a government that should be independent of God. There were some among them, however, who feared the Lord, but who had been deceived by the pretensions of the ungodly and drawn into their schemes. For the sake of these faithful ones the Lord delayed His judgments and gave the people time to reveal their true character. As this was developed, the sons of God labored to turn them from their purpose; but the people were fully united in their Heaven-daring undertaking. Had they gone on unchecked, they would have demoralized the world in its infancy. Their confederacy was founded in rebellion; a kingdom established for self-exaltation, but in which God was to have no rule or honor. Had this confederacy been permitted, a mighty power would have borne sway to banish righteousness—and with it peace, happiness, and security—from the earth. For the divine statutes, which are “holy and just and good” ( Romans 7:12 ), men were endeavoring to substitute l…
Ellen White directly references Romans 7:12 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 7:12 in this passage.
"In setting aside the law of God, men know not what they are doing. God's law is the transcript of His character. It embodies the principles of His kingdom. He who refuses to accept these principles is placing himself outside the channel where God's blessings flow. COL 305.3"
The EGW passage directly supports the principle stated in Romans 7:12. Romans 7:12 affirms the holiness, justice, and goodness of the law, and the EGW passage reinforces this by stating that God's law is a transcript of His character and embodies the principles of His kingdom.
"“Affiliated to the dangers already named is the danger of underestimating the justice of God. The tendency of the modern pulpit is to strain out the divine justice from the divine benevolence, to sink benevolence into a sentiment rather than exalt it into a principle. The new theological prism puts asunder what God has joined together. Is the divine law a good or an evil? It is a good. Then justice is good; for it is a disposition to execute the law. From the habit of underrating the divine law and justice, the extent and demerit of human disobedience, men easily slide into the habit of underestimating the grace which has provided an atonement for sin.” Thus the gospel loses its value and importance in the minds of men, and soon they are ready practically to cast aside the Bible itself. GC 465.3"
EGW's passage directly echoes and expands upon the principle stated in Romans 7:12. Both affirm the goodness and holiness of God's law. EGW elaborates on the consequences of underrating divine justice.
Romans 7:13
"Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful."
"The literature that proceeds from corrupted intellects poisons the minds of thousands in our world. Sin does not appear exceeding sinful. They hear and read so much of debasing crime and vileness that the once tender conscience which would have recoiled with horror becomes so blunted that it can dwell upon the low and vile sayings and actions of men with greedy interest. 3T 472.1"
Both passages address the idea of sin becoming 'exceeding sinful.' Romans 7:13 explains how sin uses good to bring about death, making its sinfulness apparent. EGW describes how constant exposure to sin desensitizes people, making sin seem less sinful.
Romans 7:15
"For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I."
"Anything that lessens physical strength enfeebles the mind and makes it less capable of discriminating between right and wrong. We become less capable of choosing the good and have less strength of will to do that which we know to be right. COL 346.3"
The EGW passage discusses how physical weakness can impair judgment and willpower, making it harder to choose and do what is right. This resonates with Romans 7:15, where Paul expresses the struggle of not doing what he wants to do and doing what he hates. Both passages highlight the conflict between intention and action, although from slightly different perspectives.
"We need to put ourselves in the place of the tempted ones. Consider the power of heredity, the influence of evil associations and surroundings, the power of wrong habits. Can we wonder that under such influences many become degraded? Can we wonder that they should be slow to respond to efforts for their uplifting? MH 168.4"
Both passages touch on the struggle against sin and the influence of external factors. EGW emphasizes the impact of heredity, environment, and habits, while Romans 7:15 describes the internal conflict between what one wants to do and what one actually does.
"In the Saviour's presence he was roused to long for freedom, but the demon resisted the power of Christ. When the man tried to appeal to Jesus for help, the evil spirit put words into his mouth, and he cried out in an agony of fear. The demoniac partially comprehended that he was in the presence of One who could set him free; but when he tried to come within reach of that mighty hand, another's will held him, another's words found utterance through him. MH 91.5"
Both passages describe a struggle between one's will and an opposing force. In Romans, it's the struggle against sin; in EGW, it's the demon's influence. The parallel is thematic and relevant.
"Prohibition The man who has formed the habit of using intoxicants is in a desperate situation. His brain is diseased, his will power is weakened. So far as any power in himself is concerned, his appetite is uncontrollable. He cannot be reasoned with or persuaded to deny himself. Drawn into the dens of vice, one who has resolved to quit drink is led to seize the glass again, and with the first taste of the intoxicant every good resolution is overpowered, every vestige of will destroyed. One taste of the maddening draft, and all thought of its results has vanished. The heartbroken wife is forgotten. The debauched father no longer cares that his children are hungry and naked. By legalizing the traffic, the law gives its sanction to this downfall of the soul and refuses to stop the trade that fills the world with evil. MH 344"
Both passages address the struggle against one's own desires and the inability to control oneself. Romans 7:15 speaks to the general human condition of acting against one's will, while EGW applies this to the specific context of addiction and the loss of willpower due to alcohol. The connection is thematic and relevant.
"more debilitated the system becomes and the less able to do without unnatural stimulus, the more the passion for these things increases, until the will is overborne, and there seems to be no power to deny the unnatural craving for these indulgences. 3T 487.2"
The EGW passage describes the loss of control over desires and the inability to resist cravings, which parallels the struggle described in Romans 7:15, where the apostle Paul expresses the conflict between his will and his actions. Both passages address the power of temptation and the difficulty of overcoming it.
"It is frequently urged that, in the selection of food, appetite is a safe guide. If the laws of health had always been obeyed, this would be true. But through wrong habits, continued from generation to generation, appetite has become so perverted that it is constantly craving some hurtful gratification. As a guide it cannot now be trusted. Ed 204.2"
Both passages highlight the conflict between what one knows is right and what one desires. Romans 7:15 describes the struggle with sin, while EGW describes the perversion of appetite due to wrong habits. Both point to a disconnect between will and action.
Men whom God favored, and to whom He entrusted great responsibilities, were sometimes overcome by temptation and committed sin, even as we at the present day strive, waver, and frequently fall into error. Their lives, with all their faults and follies, are open before us, both for our encouragement and warning. If they had been represented as without fault, we, with our sinful nature, might despair at our own mistakes and failures. But seeing where others struggled through discouragements like our own, where they fell under temptations as we have done, and yet took heart again and conquered through the grace of God, we are encouraged in our striving after righteousness. As they, though sometimes beaten back, recovered their ground, and were blessed of God, so we too may be overcomers in the strength of Jesus. On the other hand, the record of their lives may serve as a warning to us. It shows that God will by no means clear the guilty. He sees sin in His most favored ones, and He deals …
Both passages acknowledge human fallibility and the struggle against sin. Romans 7:15 describes the internal conflict of doing what one hates, while the EGW passage discusses the sins of biblical figures and their relevance to our own struggles. The connection is thematic, focusing on the shared human experience of sin and temptation.
Romans 7:18
"For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not."
At every advance step in Christian experience our repentance will deepen. It is to those whom the Lord has forgiven, to those whom He acknowledges as His people, that He says, “Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall loathe yourselves in your own sight.” Ezekiel 36:31 . Again He says, “I will establish My covenant with thee, and thou shalt know that I am the Lord; that thou mayest remember, and be confounded, and never open thy mouth any more because of thy shame, when I am pacified toward thee for all that thou hast done, saith the Lord God.” Ezekiel 16:62, 63 . Then our lips will not be opened in self-glorification. We shall know that our sufficiency is in Christ alone. We shall make the apostle's confession our own. “I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing.” Romans 7:18 . “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” G…
Ellen White directly references Romans 7:18 in this passage.
"The birth of a son to Zacharias, like the birth of the child of Abraham, and that of Mary, was to teach a great spiritual truth, a truth that we are slow to learn and ready to forget. In ourselves we are incapable of doing any good thing; but that which we cannot do will be wrought by the power of God in every submissive and believing soul. It was through faith that the child of promise was given. It is through faith that spiritual life is begotten, and we are enabled to do the works of righteousness. DA 98.3"
EGW's statement about our inability to do good in ourselves and the need for God's power aligns directly with the principle expressed in Romans 7:18.
"The N eed of Self-Renunciation Man's great danger is in being self-deceived, indulging self-sufficiency, and thus separating from God, the source of his strength. Our natural tendencies, unless corrected by the Holy Spirit of God, have in them the seeds of moral death. Unless we become vitally connected with God, we cannot resist the unhallowed effects of self-indulgence, self-love, and temptation to sin. MH 455"
Both passages highlight the inherent weakness of human nature and the need for divine intervention. Romans 7:18 acknowledges the lack of good within oneself, and EGW emphasizes the danger of self-sufficiency and the necessity of connection with God to overcome sinful tendencies.
None of the apostles and prophets ever claimed to be without sin. Men who have lived the nearest to God, men who would sacrifice life itself rather than knowingly commit a wrong act, men whom God has honored with divine light and power, have confessed the sinfulness of their nature. They have put no confidence in the flesh, have claimed no righteousness of their own, but have trusted wholly in the righteousness of Christ. AA 561.1 So will it be with all who behold Christ. The nearer we come to Jesus, and the more clearly we discern the purity of His character, the more clearly shall we see the exceeding sinfulness of sin, and the less shall we feel like exalting ourselves. There will be a continual reaching out of the soul after God, a continual, earnest, heartbreaking confession of sin and humbling of the heart before Him. At every advance step in our Christian experience our repentance will deepen. We shall know that our sufficiency is in Christ alone and shall make the apostle's con…
Both passages acknowledge the inherent sinfulness of human nature, even in those who are close to God. Romans 7:18 expresses Paul's struggle with his sinful nature, while EGW emphasizes that even the most righteous individuals recognize their own sinfulness.
"forgiven; yet well he knew that for the weakness of character which had caused his fall only the grace of Christ could avail. He found in himself nothing in which to glory. COL 160.1"
Both passages express the idea that humans, in themselves, lack inherent goodness or strength, and that reliance on divine grace is necessary. Romans 7:18 speaks to the inability to perform good, while EGW speaks to weakness of character.
Many are inquiring, “ How am I to make the surrender of myself to God?” You desire to give yourself to Him, but you are weak in moral power, in slavery to doubt, and controlled by the habits of your life of sin. Your promises and resolutions are like ropes of sand. You cannot control your thoughts, your impulses, your affections. The knowledge of your broken promises and forfeited pledges weakens your confidence in your own sincerity, and causes you to feel that God cannot accept you; but you need not despair. What you need to understand is the true force of the will. This is the governing power in the nature of man, the power of decision, or of choice. Everything depends on the right action of the will. The power of choice God has given to men; it is theirs to exercise. You cannot change your heart, you cannot of yourself give to God its affections; but you can choose to serve Him. You can give Him your will; He will then work in you to will and to do according to His good pleasure. T…
Both passages discuss the struggle between the will to do good and the inability to perform it due to the flesh/sinful nature. EGW expands on the solution to this problem.
"Chapter 2—The Sinner's N eed of Christ Man was originally endowed with noble powers and a well-balanced mind. He was perfect in his being, and in harmony with God. His thoughts were pure, his aims holy. But through disobedience, his powers were perverted, and selfishness took the place of love. His nature became so weakened through transgression that it was impossible for him, in his own strength, to resist the power of evil. He was made captive by Satan, and would have remained so forever had not God specially interposed. It was the tempter's purpose to thwart the divine plan in man's creation, and fill the earth with woe and desolation. And he would point to all this evil as the result of God's work in creating man. SC 17"
Both passages discuss the inherent weakness of humanity after the fall and the inability to do good on one's own. The EGW passage expands on the concept of weakened nature due to transgression, echoing the sentiment in Romans 7:18.
"He who determines to enter the spiritual kingdom will find that all the powers and passions of an unregenerate nature, backed by the forces of the kingdom of darkness, are arrayed against him. Selfishness and pride will make a stand against anything that would show them to be sinful. We cannot, of ourselves, conquer the evil desires and habits that strive for the mastery. We cannot overcome the mighty foe who holds us in his thrall. God alone can give us the victory. He desires us to have the mastery over ourselves, our own will and ways. But He cannot work in us without our consent and co-operation. The divine Spirit works through the faculties and powers given to man. Our energies are required to co-operate with God. MB 141.3"
Both passages acknowledge the inherent inability of humans to do good on their own. EGW expands on this by stating that we cannot conquer evil desires and habits by ourselves.
"Those only who read the Scriptures as the voice of God speaking to them, are true learners. They tremble at the voice of God, for to them it is a living reality. They open their understanding to divine instruction and pray for grace, that they may obtain a preparation for service. As the heavenly torch is placed in his hand, the seeker for truth sees his own frailty, his infirmity, the hopelessness of looking to himself for righteousness. He sees that there is in him nothing that can recommend him to God. He prays for the Holy Spirit, the representative of Christ, to be his constant guide, to lead him into all truth. He repeats the promise, “The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things.” John 14:26 . CT 450.1"
Both passages discuss the inherent lack of righteousness within oneself and the need for divine guidance and the Holy Spirit. EGW expands on the idea of recognizing one's own frailty, which aligns with Paul's statement about nothing good dwelling in his flesh.
"circumstances. Men are weak in moral power and so supremely selfish, so self-sufficient and so easily puffed up with vain conceit, that God cannot work in connection with them, and they are left to move like blind men and to manifest so great weakness and folly that many are astonished that such individuals should ever have been accepted and acknowledged as worthy of having any connection with God's work. This is just what Satan designed. This was his object from the time he first specially tempted them to reproach the cause of God and to cast reflections upon the Testimonies . Had they remained where their influence would not have been specially felt upon the cause of God, Satan would not have beset them so fiercely; for he could not have accomplished his purpose by using them as his instruments to do a special work. 3T 470.1"
The EGW passage describes the weakness and selfishness of men, hindering God's work. Romans 7:18 speaks to the inherent lack of good within human flesh. While not a perfect match, the shared theme of human weakness impeding spiritual progress justifies a 'thematic_parallel' classification.
Romans 7:22-23
"For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members."
"The life of the apostle Paul was a constant conflict with self. He said, “I die daily.” 1 Corinthians 15:31 . His will and his desires every day conflicted with duty and the will of God. Instead of following inclination, he did God's will, however crucifying to his nature. MH 452.4"
Both passages describe the internal conflict between one's desires and the will of God. EGW uses Paul as an example, referencing his statement "I die daily," which illustrates the constant struggle against self, similar to the warring laws described in Romans 7.
For some weeks in the past your influence has been improving; but you lack firmness of principle. You are deficient in many things, and in some things you must know where you fail. The follies of your youth have left their impress upon you; you can never recover what you have lost through impure habits. These things have so benumbed your sensibilities that sacred things are not clearly discerned. You cannot, with your present experience, resist temptation. You cannot endure trials. You are not sanctified through the truth. You have taken hold of the truth, but it has not taken hold upon you to transform you by the renewing of your mind. You are a self-deceived man. Oh, do not, I entreat you, remain deceived in regard to your true condition! You have not felt deep conviction because of your sins, and in humility sought the Lord with anguish of heart that your transgressions might be blotted out. You could not see that your ways were so sinful before God. Therefore the work of reformatio…
Both passages discuss the internal struggle between the desire to do good and the pull of sinful nature.
Romans 7:23
"But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members."
"Paul had a keen sense of the conflict which every soul must wage with the agencies of evil that are continually seeking to deceive and ensnare, and he had worked untiringly to strengthen and confirm those who were young in the faith. He had entreated them to make an entire surrender to God; for he knew that when the soul fails to make this surrender, then sin is not forsaken, the appetites and passions still strive for the mastery, and temptations confuse the conscience. AA 298.2"
Both passages discuss the internal conflict between the desires of the flesh and the desire to follow God. Romans 7:23 describes this conflict as a 'warring' within the members, while EGW speaks of 'appetites and passions' striving for mastery.
"Sanctification is not the work of a moment, an hour, or a day. It is a continual growth in grace. We know not one day how strong will be our conflict the next. Satan lives, and is active, and every day we need to cry earnestly to God for help and strength to resist him. As long as Satan reigns we shall have self to subdue, besetments to overcome, and there is no stopping place, there is no point to which we can come and say we have fully attained. 1T 340.2"
Both passages address the internal struggle against sin. EGW speaks of subduing self and overcoming besetments, while Romans 7:23 describes the war between the law of the mind and the law of sin. The connection is valid and reflects a common theme of inner conflict.
"broken down, every principle sacrificed. The strongest resolutions are undermined, the highest considerations are not sufficient to keep the debased appetite under the control of reason. MH 332.3"
Both passages describe the struggle between reason and desire, and the power of sin or appetite to overcome one's will. The EGW passage focuses on the loss of control due to a debased appetite, while Romans 7:23 describes the internal conflict between the law of the mind and the law of sin.
Some who make a high profession do not understand the sin of self-abuse and its sure results. Long- established habit has blinded their understanding. They do not realize the exceeding sinfulness of this degrading sin, which is enervating the system and destroying their brain nerve power. Moral principle is exceedingly weak when it conflicts with established habit. Solemn messages from heaven cannot forcibly impress the heart that is not fortified against the indulgence of this degrading vice. The sensitive nerves of the brain have lost their healthy tone by morbid excitation to gratify an unnatural desire for sensual indulgence. The brain nerves which communicate with the entire system are the only medium through which Heaven can communicate to man and affect his inmost life. Whatever disturbs the circulation of the electric currents in the nervous system lessens the strength of the vital powers, and the result is a deadening of the sensibilities of the mind. In consideration of these…
Both passages address the struggle against sin and its effects on the individual. Romans 7:23 speaks of the internal conflict between the law of the mind and the law of sin, while the EGW passage describes the effects of self-abuse on the mind and body, hindering spiritual communication. The connection is thematic, dealing with the battle against sinful desires and their consequences.
Romans 7:24
"O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?"
Through the same faith we may receive spiritual healing. By sin we have been severed from the life of God. Our souls are palsied. Of ourselves we are no more capable of living a holy life than was the impotent man capable of walking. There are many who realize their helplessness, and who long for that spiritual life which will bring them into harmony with God; they are vainly striving to obtain it. In despair they cry, “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from this body of death?” Romans 7:24 , margin. Let these desponding, struggling ones look up. The Saviour is bending over the purchase of His blood, saying with inexpressible tenderness and pity, “Wilt thou be made whole?” He bids you arise in health and peace. Do not wait to feel that you are made whole. Believe His word, and it will be fulfilled. Put your will on the side of Christ. Will to serve Him, and in acting upon His word you will receive strength. Whatever may be the evil practice, the master passion which throug…
The EGW passage directly quotes Romans 7:24.
"When man is a partaker of the divine nature, the love of Christ will be an abiding principle in the soul, and self and its peculiarities will not be exhibited. But it is sad to see those who should be vessels unto honor indulging in the gratification of the lower nature and walking in paths that conscience condemns. Men professing to be followers of Christ fall to a low level, always mourning over their shortcomings, but never overcoming and bruising Satan under their feet. Guilt and condemnation constantly burden the soul, and the cry of such might well be: “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” Romans 7:24 . Through indulgence in sin, self-respect is destroyed; and when that is gone, respect for others is lessened; we think that others are as unrighteous as we are ourselves. 6T 52.3"
Ellen White directly references Romans 7:24 in this passage.
"It is not enough to perceive the loving-kindness of God, to see the benevolence, the fatherly tenderness, of His character. It is not enough to discern the wisdom and justice of His law, to see that it is founded upon the eternal principle of love. Paul the apostle saw all this when he exclaimed, “I consent unto the law that it is good.” “The law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.” But he added, in the bitterness of his soul-anguish and despair, “I am carnal, sold under sin.” Romans 7:16, 12, 14 . He longed for the purity, the righteousness, to which in himself he was powerless to attain, and cried out, “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from this body of death?” Romans 7:24 , margin. Such is the cry that has gone up from burdened hearts in all lands and in all ages. To all, there is but one answer, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:29 . SC 19.1"
Ellen White directly references Romans 7:24 in this passage.
If you have chosen such a life, you know that you are spending money for that which is not bread, and labor for that which satisfieth not. There come to you hours when you realize your degradation. Alone in the far country you feel your misery, and in despair you cry, “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” Romans 7:24 . It is the statement of a universal truth which is contained in the prophet's words, “Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord. For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited.” Jeremiah 17:5, 6 . God “maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust” ( Matthew 5:45 ); but men have the power to shut themselves away from sunshine and shower. So while the Sun of Righteousness shines, and the showers o…
Ellen White directly references Romans 7:24 in this passage.
By sin we have been severed from the life of God. Our souls are palsied. Of ourselves we are no more capable of living a holy life than was the impotent man capable of walking. Many realize their helplessness; they are longing for that spiritual life which will bring them into harmony with God, and are striving to obtain it. But in vain. In despair they cry, “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from this body of death?” Romans 7:24 , margin. Let these desponding, struggling ones look up. The Saviour is bending over the purchase of His blood, saying with inexpressible tenderness and pity, “Wilt thou be made whole?” He bids you arise in health and peace. Do not wait to feel that you are made whole. Believe the Saviour's word. Put your will on the side of Christ. Will to serve Him, and in acting upon His word you will receive strength. Whatever may be the evil practice, the master passion which through long indulgence binds both soul and body, Christ is able and longs to delive…
Ellen White directly references Romans 7:24 in this passage.
"Feeling the terrible power of temptation, the drawing of desire that leads to indulgence, many a man cries in despair, “I cannot resist evil.” Tell him that he can, that he must resist. He may have been overcome again and again, but it need not be always thus. He is weak in moral power, controlled by the habits of a life of sin. His promises and resolutions are like ropes of sand. The knowledge of his broken promises and forfeited pledges weakens his confidence in his own sincerity and causes him to feel that God cannot accept him or work with his efforts. But he need not despair. MH 174.6"
Both passages address the struggle against sin and the feeling of helplessness, with Romans 7:24 expressing the despair that EGW addresses.
"Chapter 6—Faith and Acceptance As your conscience has been quickened by the Holy Spirit, you have seen something of the evil of sin, of its power, its guilt, its woe; and you look upon it with abhorrence. You feel that sin has separated you from God, that you are in bondage to the power of evil. The more you struggle to escape, the more you realize your helplessness. Your motives are impure; your heart is unclean. You see that your life has been filled with selfishness and sin. You long to be forgiven, to be cleansed, to be set free. Harmony with God, likeness to Him —what can you do to obtain it? SC 49"
Both passages express a feeling of wretchedness and a desire for deliverance from a state of sin and helplessness. The EGW passage elaborates on the internal struggle that Paul expresses in Romans 7:24.
"influence of the Spirit of God. He loathes himself as he views the pure, spotless character of Christ. SC 29.1"
Both passages express a sense of personal inadequacy and wretchedness when confronted with a higher standard of righteousness. Romans 7:24 is a cry of despair over one's sinful nature, while the EGW quote describes self-loathing upon viewing Christ's purity. The common theme is the awareness of one's own imperfection in light of a perfect standard.
"When light flashes into the soul, some who appeared to be most fully given to sin will become successful workers for just such sinners as they themselves once were. Through faith in Christ some will rise to high places of service and be entrusted with responsibilities in the work of saving souls. They see where their own weakness lies, they realize the depravity of their nature. They know the strength of sin, the power of evil habit. They realize their inability to overcome without the help of Christ, and their constant cry is, “I cast my helpless soul on Thee.” MH 179.1"
Both passages express a sense of being trapped in sin and needing deliverance. Romans 7:24 is a direct cry for deliverance, while the EGW passage describes the realization of the strength of sin and the need for Christ's help to overcome it.
"infirmity of their own nature. MH 93.1"
Both passages deal with the struggle against inherent weakness and the need for deliverance. The EGW passage speaks of 'infirmity of their own nature,' while Romans 7:24 expresses a similar sentiment of being trapped in a 'body of this death.'
"It is one thing to assent in a general way to the agency of the Holy Spirit, and another thing to accept His work as a reprover calling to repentance. Many feel a sense of estrangement from God, a realization of their bondage to self and sin; they make efforts for reform; but they do not crucify self. They do not give themselves entirely into the hands of Christ, seeking for divine power to do His will. They are not willing to be molded after the divine similitude. In a general way they acknowledge their imperfections, but they do not give up their particular sins. With each wrong act the old selfish nature is gaining strength. COL 48.2"
EGW describes the feeling of estrangement from God and bondage to sin, and the struggle to overcome these. Romans 7:24 expresses a similar sentiment of being a 'wretched man' and needing deliverance from the 'body of this death.' The connection is thematic, reflecting the struggle with sin and the need for salvation.