"one can be brought to turn from error to truth, from sin to holiness. Says the Lord by the prophet: “And they that turn many to righteousness [shall shine] as the stars for ever and ever.” Then those who engage with Christ and angels in the work of saving perishing souls are richly rewarded in the kingdom of heaven. 1T 512.1"
"And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever."
The EGW passage directly quotes and alludes to Daniel 12:3, making the connection explicit. The quote is nearly verbatim.
"Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins."
Both passages discuss converting sinners and the positive consequences of doing so. The EGW passage amplifies the idea of turning from error to truth, which aligns with James 5:20's concept of converting sinners from the error of their way.
"I saw that many souls might be saved if the young were where they ought to be, devoted to God and to the truth; but they generally occupy a position where constant labor must be bestowed upon them , or they will become of the world themselves. They are a source of constant anxiety and heartache. Tears flow on their account, and agonizing prayers are wrung from the hearts of parents in their behalf. Yet they move on, reckless of the pain which their course of action causes. They plant thorns in the breasts of those who would die to save them and have them become what God designed they should through the merits of the blood of Christ. 1T 512.2"
"A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him."
Both passages discuss the pain and grief that foolish or wayward children can cause their parents. The EGW passage elaborates on the emotional distress and prayers of parents, echoing the sentiment in Proverbs 17:25.
"And he said, A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing. And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound. And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him. And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf."
Both passages deal with the pain and heartache caused by children who stray from the desired path. The EGW passage speaks of the pain parents feel when their children are not devoted to God, while the parable of the prodigal son illustrates the father's grief and eventual joy at his son's return. The connection is thematic, but not a direct allusion.
"The youth exercise their ability to execute this or that nice piece of art, but do not feel that God requires them to turn their talents to a better account, that of adorning their profession and seeking to save souls for whom Christ died. One such soul saved is of more value than worlds. Gold and earthly treasure can bear no comparison to the salvation of even one poor soul. 1T 512.3"
"For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"
The EGW passage echoes the sentiment of Matthew 16:26, emphasizing the greater value of saving a soul compared to worldly gain. The phrasing is different, but the core message aligns strongly.
"For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"
The EGW passage directly echoes the sentiment of Mark 8:36, emphasizing the supreme value of a soul compared to worldly gain. The connection is clear and meaningful.
"For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?"
Similar to the connection with Mark 8:36, this EGW passage also strongly reflects the core message of Luke 9:25, highlighting the worthlessness of gaining the world while losing one's soul. The connection is valid.