"I saw that the view that spirituality is a detriment to health, which Dr. E sought to instill into the minds of others, is but the sophistry of the devil. Satan found his way into Eden and made Eve believe that she needed something more than that which God had given for her happiness, that the forbidden fruit would have a special exhilarating influence upon her body and mind, and would exalt her even to be equal with God in knowledge. But the knowledge and benefit she thought to gain proved to her a terrible curse. 1T 565.1"
"For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil."
The EGW passage explicitly references the serpent's temptation in Eden, where Eve was told the forbidden fruit would make her 'equal with God in knowledge.' This is a direct allusion to Genesis 3:5, where the serpent says eating the fruit will make them 'as gods, knowing good and evil.'
"And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat."
The EGW passage describes Eve's belief that the forbidden fruit would have a special influence and exalt her. This directly alludes to Genesis 3:6, which describes Eve seeing the tree as 'good for food...pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise,' leading her to eat the fruit. The EGW passage is a clear commentary on this event.
There are persons with a diseased imagination to whom religion is a tyrant, ruling them as with a rod of iron. Such are constantly mourning over their depravity and groaning over supposed evil. Love does not exist in their hearts; a frown is ever upon their countenances. They are chilled by the innocent laugh from the youth or from anyone. They consider all recreation or amusement a sin and think that the mind must be constantly wrought up to just such a stern, severe pitch. This is one extreme. Others think that the mind must be ever on the stretch to invent new amusements and diversions in order to gain health. They learn to depend on excitement, and are uneasy without it. Such are not true Christians. They go to another extreme. The true principles of Christianity open before all a source of happiness, the height and depth, the length and breadth of which are immeasurable. It is Christ in us a well of water springing up into everlasting life. It is a continual wellspring from which …
"He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."
EGW describes people who lack love in their hearts, contrasting them with true Christians. 1 John 4:8 directly states that God is love and that those who do not love do not know God. The connection is thematic and reinforces the importance of love in true faith.
"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Both passages contrast a burdensome, legalistic approach to religion with a joyful, restful experience found in Christ. EGW expands on the idea of a 'yoke' by describing the two extremes and the true Christian experience.
"For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost."
Both passages contrast outward observances with inner spiritual reality. Romans 14:17 emphasizes righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, while EGW contrasts legalistic religion with the 'well of water springing up into everlasting life.' The connection is thematic, focusing on the nature of true religion.