There are some who profess to be Christ's followers, yet put forth no effort in spiritual things. In any worldly enterprise they put forth effort, and manifest ambition to accomplish their object, and bring about the desired end; but in the enterprise of everlasting life, where all is at stake, and their eternal happiness depends upon their success, they act as indifferent as though they were not moral agents, as though another were playing the game of life for them, and they had nothing to do but wait the result. Oh, what folly! what madness! If all will only manifest that degree of ambition, zeal, and earnestness for everlasting life that they manifest in their worldly pursuits, they will be victorious overcomers. Everyone, I saw, must obtain an experience for himself, each must act well and faithfully his part in the game of life. Satan watches his opportunity to seize the precious graces when we are unguarded, and we shall have a severe conflict with the powers of darkness to retai…
"Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."
Philippians 2:12 directly instructs believers to 'work out your own salvation,' which aligns with EGW's statement that 'Everyone, I saw, must obtain an experience for himself, each must act well and faithfully his part in the game of life.' Both emphasize individual responsibility in spiritual growth.
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
Both passages emphasize prioritizing spiritual matters over worldly pursuits. Matthew 6:33 speaks of seeking God's kingdom first, while EGW contrasts the effort put into worldly endeavors with the lack of effort in seeking everlasting life.
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."
Both passages address the importance of genuine action and obedience, not just profession of faith. Matthew 7:21 states that only those who *do* the will of the Father will enter the kingdom, while EGW criticizes those who 'profess to be Christ's followers, yet put forth no effort in spiritual things.'
"But I was shown that it is the privilege of Christians to obtain strength from God to hold every precious gift. Fervent and effectual prayer will be regarded in heaven. When the servants of Christ take the shield of faith for their defense, and the sword of the Spirit for war, there is danger in the enemy's camp, and something must be done. Persecution and reproach only wait for those who are endowed with power from on high to call them into action. When the truth in its simplicity and strength prevails among believers, and is brought to bear against the spirit of the world, it will be evident that there is no concord between Christ and Belial. The disciples of Christ must be living examples of the life and spirit of their Master. 1T 407.2"
"And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:"
EGW directly references and uses the phrase "sword of the Spirit" from Ephesians 6:17.
"Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked."
EGW directly references and uses the phrase "shield of faith" from Ephesians 6:16.
"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
EGW's mention of "fervent and effectual prayer" echoes the sentiment in James 5:16 about the power of fervent prayer.