"One day I listened to a conversation between my mother and a sister, in reference to a discourse which they had recently heard, to the effect that the soul had not natural immortality. Some of the minister's proof texts were repeated. Among them I remember these impressed me very forcibly: “The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” “The living know that they shall die: but the dead know not anything.” “Which in His times He shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of Lords; who only hath immortality.” “To them who by patient continuance in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life.” “Why,” said my mother, after quoting the foregoing passage, “should they seek for what they already have?” 1T 39.1"
"Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die."
EGW directly quotes Ezekiel 18:4 in her discussion about the soul's immortality.
"For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten."
EGW directly quotes Ecclesiastes 9:5 in her discussion about the soul's immortality.
"Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen."
EGW directly quotes 1 Timothy 6:15-16 in her discussion about the soul's immortality.
"To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:"
EGW directly quotes Romans 2:7 in her discussion about the soul's immortality.
"I listened to these new ideas with an intense and painful interest. When alone with my mother, I inquired if she really believed that the soul was not immortal. Her reply was that she feared we had been in error on that subject as well as upon some others. 1T 39.2"
"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so."
Both passages highlight a willingness to examine beliefs in light of new information and scripture. The Bereans 'searched the scriptures daily' to verify Paul's teachings, while EGW and her mother questioned their understanding of the soul's immortality. This shared theme of critical examination strengthens the connection.
"“But, mother,” said I, “do you really believe that the soul sleeps in the grave until the resurrection? Do you think that the Christian, when he dies, does not go immediately to heaven, nor the sinner to hell?” 1T 39.3"
"For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten."
The EGW passage directly addresses the state of the dead, specifically arguing against the immediate entry into heaven or hell upon death, which aligns with the concept of the dead knowing nothing as stated in Ecclesiastes 9:5. The verse is a key support for the doctrine of soul sleep.
"She answered: “The Bible gives us no proof that there is an eternally burning hell. If there is such a place, it should be mentioned in the Sacred Book.” 1T 39.4"
"The dead praise not the Lord, neither any that go down into silence."
Both passages touch on the state of the dead. EGW argues against an eternally burning hell by stating the Bible doesn't mention it. Psalm 115:17 states the dead do not praise the Lord, which is used to support the idea that the dead are not conscious and therefore not in a state of eternal torment. The connection is thematic, as it relates to the condition of the dead.
"“Why, mother!” cried I, in astonishment, “this is strange talk for you! If you believe this strange theory, do not let anyone know of it; for I fear that sinners would gather security from this belief, and never desire to seek the Lord.” 1T 39.5"
"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?"
Both passages address the potential for misunderstanding grace and using it as an excuse to continue sinning. EGW's passage expresses concern that a particular belief might lead sinners to feel secure and not seek God, while Romans 6:1 directly asks if grace should lead to continued sin.
"Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?"
Both passages deal with the idea of leading people to repentance. EGW's passage suggests that love, not fear, is the proper way to win souls, while Romans 2:4 states that God's goodness leads to repentance.