"***** Chapter 57—Organization August 3, 1861, I was shown that some have feared that our churches would become Babylon if they should organize; but those in central New York have been perfect Babylon, confusion. And now unless the churches are so organized that they can carry out and enforce order, they have nothing to hope for in the future; they must scatter into fragments. Previous teachings have nourished the elements of disunion. A spirit has been cherished to watch and accuse, rather than to build up. If ministers of God would unitedly take their position, and maintain it with decision, there would be a uniting influence among the flock of God. Separating bars would be broken to fragments. Hearts would flow together and unite like drops of water. Then there would be a power and strength in the ranks of Sabbathkeepers far exceeding anything we have yet witnessed. 1T 270"
"For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints."
EGW directly addresses the issue of confusion and order within the church, contrasting it with the concept of Babylon. This aligns with 1 Corinthians 14:33, which states that God is not the author of confusion but of peace. The EGW passage uses the idea of 'confusion' as a negative consequence of disorganization, directly opposing the divine principle of peace and order.
"And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:"
EGW's statement about churches scattering into fragments if they are not organized directly reflects the principle in Matthew 12:25 that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. The EGW passage applies this principle to the church context.
"Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
EGW's emphasis on unity and breaking down separating bars echoes the sentiment of Ephesians 4:3, which encourages believers to maintain the unity of the Spirit. Both passages highlight the importance of unity and peace within the Christian community.
"The prophecy of Isaiah 3 was presented before me as applying to these last days, and the reproofs are given to the daughters of Zion who have thought only of appearance and display. Read verse 25 : “Thy men shall fall by the sword, and thy mighty in the war.” I was shown that this scripture will be strictly fulfilled. Young men and women professing to be Christians, yet having no Christian experience, and having borne no burdens and felt no individual responsibility, are to be proved. They will be brought low in the dust and will long for an experience in the things of God, which they have failed to obtain. 1T 270.1"
"Thy men shall fall by the sword, and thy mighty in the war."
EGW directly quotes Isaiah 3:25 and states that it will be strictly fulfilled, making this a clear and explicit allusion.
"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away."
Both passages describe a state of spiritual decline in the last days, characterized by a focus on outward appearance and a lack of genuine Christian experience. While EGW focuses on the 'daughters of Zion,' 2 Timothy describes a broader societal trend of 'lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.'
"War lifts his helmet to his brow; O God, protect Thy people now. 1T 270.2"
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
Both passages address God as a refuge in times of trouble, although the EGW passage is a prayer for protection during war, while the Psalm is a general statement of God's protection.