"Christ sharply reproved the men of His time because they had not learned from nature the spiritual lessons which they might have learned. All things, animate and inanimate, express to man the knowledge of God. The same divine mind that is working upon the things of nature is speaking to the minds and hearts of men, and creating an inexpressible craving for something they have not. The things of the world cannot satisfy their longing. To all these thirsting souls the divine message is addressed: “The Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” 4T 580.1"
"For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:"
Both passages discuss how creation reveals God's nature and power. EGW expands on this by stating that nature creates a longing for something more, which can only be satisfied by God. Romans 1:20 focuses on the visible evidence of God's power and deity in creation.
"The Spirit of God is continually impressing the minds of men to seek for those things which alone will give peace and rest—the higher, holier joys of heaven. Christ, the Lord of life and glory, gave His life to redeem man from Satan's power. Our Saviour is constantly at work, through influences seen and unseen, to attract the minds of men from the unsatisfying pleasures of this life to the priceless treasure which may be theirs in the immortal future. 4T 580.2"
"It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life."
Both passages discuss the Spirit's role in leading people towards spiritual life and away from earthly pursuits. The EGW passage speaks of the Spirit impressing minds to seek higher joys, while the Bible verse emphasizes the Spirit's quickening power and the life-giving nature of Christ's words.
"God would have His people, in words and in deportment, declare to the world that no earthly attractions or worldly possessions are of sufficient value to compensate for the loss of the heavenly inheritance. Those who are truly children of the light and of the day will not be vain or frivolous in conversation, in dress, or in deportment, but sober, contemplative, constantly exerting an influence to attract souls to the Redeemer. The love of Christ, reflected from the cross, is pleading in behalf of the sinner, drawing him by cords of infinite love to the peace and happiness found in our Saviour. God enjoins upon all His followers to bear a living testimony in unmistakable language by their conduct, their dress and conversation, in all the pursuits of life, that the power of true godliness is profitable to all in this life and in the life to come; that this alone can satisfy the soul of the receiver. 4T 580.3"
"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
Both passages contrast earthly treasures with heavenly ones, urging believers to prioritize the latter. The EGW passage emphasizes that earthly attractions are insufficient compared to the heavenly inheritance, while Matthew 6:19-21 directly advises against storing up earthly treasures and highlights the importance of heavenly treasures.
"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:"
Both passages discuss the role of believers as representatives of God, called to demonstrate His character to the world. The EGW passage emphasizes living a life that attracts souls to the Redeemer, while 1 Peter 2:9 describes believers as a chosen people called to show forth God's praises.