"We should not look in the face of duty and delay meeting its demands. Such delay gives time for doubts; unbelief creeps in, the judgment is perverted, the understanding darkened. At length the reproofs of God's Spirit do not reach the heart of the deluded person, who has become so blinded as to think that they cannot possibly be intended for him or apply to his case. 4T 147.1"
"But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin."
Both passages warn against delay and the hardening of the heart through sin. The EGW passage speaks of delaying duty leading to a perverted judgment, while Hebrews warns against being hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. The connection is thematic, focusing on the dangers of procrastination and its effect on one's spiritual state.
"The precious time of probation is passing, and few realize that it is given them for the purpose of preparing for eternity. The golden hours are squandered in worldly pursuits, in pleasure, in absolute sin. God's law is slighted and forgotten, yet every statute is nonetheless binding. Every transgression will bring its punishment. Love of worldly gain leads to desecration of the Sabbath, yet the claims of that holy day are not abrogated or lessened. God's command is clear and unquestionable on this point; He has peremptorily forbidden us to labor upon the seventh day. He has set it apart as a day sanctified to Himself. 4T 147.2"
"(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)"
Both passages emphasize the importance of using the present time wisely for spiritual preparation. The EGW passage focuses on the squandering of time on worldly pursuits and neglecting God's law, while 2 Corinthians highlights the present as the 'accepted time' and 'day of salvation.' The connection lies in the shared theme of urgency and the need to prioritize spiritual matters in the present moment.
"Many are the hindrances that lie in the path of those who would walk in obedience to the commandments of God. There are strong and subtle influences that bind them to the ways of the world, but the power of the Lord can break these chains. He will remove every obstacle from before the feet of His faithful ones or give them strength and courage to conquer every difficulty, if they earnestly beseech His help. All hindrances will vanish before an earnest desire and persistent effort to do the will of God at any cost to self, even if life itself is sacrificed. Light from heaven will illuminate the darkness of those, who, in trial and perplexity, go forward, looking unto Jesus as the Author and Finisher of their faith. 4T 147.3"
"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."
Both passages address the idea that God provides a way to overcome obstacles and temptations. The EGW passage expands on this theme, emphasizing the importance of earnest desire and persistent effort, while the Bible verse focuses on God's faithfulness in not allowing temptation beyond one's ability to bear.
"In ancient times God spoke to men by the mouth of prophets and apostles. In these days He speaks to them by the testimonies of His Spirit. There was never a time when God instructed His people more earnestly than He instructs them now concerning His will and the course that He would have them pursue. But will they profit by His teachings? will they receive His reproofs and heed His warnings? God will accept of no partial obedience; He will sanction no compromise with self. 4T 147.4"
"God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;"
Both passages discuss how God communicates with humanity. Hebrews 1:1-2 speaks of God speaking through prophets and His Son, while the EGW passage speaks of God speaking through the testimonies of His Spirit. There is a clear parallel in the theme of divine communication.