"If you choose to throw off the sacred, restraining influence of the truth, Satan will lead you captive at his will. You will be in danger of giving scope to your appetites and passions, giving loose rein to lusts, to evil and abominable desires. Instead of bearing in your countenance a calm serenity under trial and affliction, like faithful Enoch, having your face radiant with hope and that peace which passeth understanding, you will stamp your countenance with carnal thoughts, with lustful desires. You will bear the impress of the satanic instead of the divine. 2T 92.1"
"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
EGW directly uses the phrase 'peace which passeth understanding,' which is a clear allusion to Philippians 4:7. The context of serenity under trial also aligns with the idea of God's peace guarding hearts and minds.
"And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will."
Both passages discuss being taken captive by Satan's will. EGW's passage elaborates on the consequences of yielding to Satan's influence, aligning with the warning in 2 Timothy 2:26.
"This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would."
EGW's description of giving scope to appetites and passions directly relates to the concept of the 'lust of the flesh' described in Galatians 5:16-17. Both passages contrast living according to the flesh versus living according to the Spirit.
"“Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature , having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” It is now your privilege, by humble confession and sincere repentance, to take words and return unto the Lord. The precious blood of Christ can cleanse you from all impurity, remove all your defilement, and make you perfect in Him. The mercies of Christ are still within your reach if you will accept them. For the sake of your wronged wife, and your children, the fruit of your own body, cease to do evil, and learn to do well. That which you sow, you shall also reap. If you sow to the flesh you shall of the flesh reap corruption. If you sow to the Spirit you shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 2T 92.2"
"Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust."
EGW directly quotes 2 Peter 1:4, making this a clear and explicit allusion.
"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."
While not a direct quote, the idea of cleansing from sin and impurity connects to the theme of forgiveness and purification found in Isaiah 1:18. EGW's passage emphasizes the possibility of redemption and transformation, echoing the message of hope in Isaiah.
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Both passages discuss confession of sins and cleansing from impurity. The EGW passage expands on this theme, connecting it to the promise of partaking in the divine nature and escaping corruption. While not a direct quote, the thematic connection is clear and meaningful.
"You must overcome your sensitiveness and faultfinding. You are jealous that others do not give you all the attention you think you should have. The experience founded in feeling, and savoring of fanaticism, you must not adhere to. It is unsafe. Move from principle, from thorough understanding. Search the Scriptures, and be able to give to every man that asketh you the reasons of the hope which is in you, with meekness and fear. Let self-exaltation die. “Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double-minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.” When harassed with temptations and evil thoughts, there is but One to whom you can flee for relief and succor. Flee to Him in your weakness. When near Him, Satan's arrows are broken and cannot harm you. Your trials and temptations borne in God will purify and humble, but will not destroy or endanger you. 2T 92.3"
"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:"
The EGW passage directly quotes 1 Peter 3:15, making it an explicit allusion.
"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness."
The EGW passage directly quotes James 4:8-9, making it an explicit allusion.
"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded."
The EGW passage directly quotes James 4:8, making it an explicit allusion.