"letter of the law of Ten Commandments. The one obeyed the spirit of these commandments, while the others were content to profess an exalted faith in them; but what is faith without works? When the advocates of the law of God plant their feet firmly upon its principles, showing that they are not merely loyal in name but loyal at heart, carrying out in their daily lives the spirit of God's commandments, and exercising true benevolence to man, then will they have moral power to move the world. It is impossible for those who profess allegiance to the law of God to correctly represent the principles of that sacred Decalogue while slighting its holy injunctions to love their neighbor as themselves. 4T 58.1"
"For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also."
The EGW passage directly asks "what is faith without works?" which is a clear allusion to James 2:26. The context in EGW also discusses the importance of living out one's faith through actions, mirroring the message of James.
"Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven."
Both passages discuss the importance of not only knowing but also doing the commandments. Matthew 5:19 speaks of those who break the commandments and teach others to do so being called least, while EGW speaks of the importance of carrying out the spirit of God's commandments in daily life. The principle of obedience to God's law is central to both.
"He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him."
Both passages address the hypocrisy of claiming to know God or follow His law without actually keeping His commandments. 1 John 2:4 directly states that someone who claims to know God but doesn't keep His commandments is a liar. EGW makes a similar point about those who profess allegiance to the law but slight its injunctions.
"The most eloquent sermon that can be preached upon the law of Ten Commandments is to do them . Obedience should be made a personal duty. Negligence of this duty is flagrant sin. God lays us under obligations not only to secure heaven ourselves, but to feel it a binding duty to show others the way and, through our care and disinterested love, to lead toward Christ those who come within the sphere of our influence. The singular absence of principle that characterizes the lives of many professed Christians is alarming. Their disregard of God's law disheartens those who recognize its sacred claims and tends to turn those from the truth who would otherwise accept it. 4T 58.2"
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
Both passages emphasize the importance of good works and living a life that reflects one's faith. EGW states that "the most eloquent sermon that can be preached upon the law of Ten Commandments is to do them," while Matthew 5:16 encourages believers to let their light shine through good works. The connection is a thematic parallel, highlighting the importance of actions in demonstrating faith.
"In order to gain a proper knowledge of ourselves, it is necessary to look into the mirror, and there discovering our own defects, avail ourselves of the blood of Christ, the fountain opened for sin and uncleanness, in which we may wash our robes of character and remove the stains of sin. But many refuse to see their errors and correct them; they do not want a true knowledge of themselves. 4T 58.3"
"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 the cleansing of sin through confession and the blood of Christ. EGW elaborates on the need to recognize one's defects, which aligns with the principle of confessing sins in 1 John 1:9.