"The apostle Paul exclaims: “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out!” But though “clouds and darkness are round about Him: righteousness and judgment are the foundation of His throne.” [Revised Version.] We can so far comprehend His dealing with us, and the motives by which He is actuated, that we may discern boundless love and mercy united to infinite power. We can understand as much of His purposes as it is for our good to know; and beyond this we must still trust the might of the Omnipotent, the love and wisdom of the Father and Sovereign of all. 5T 699.1"
"O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!"
The EGW passage directly quotes Romans 11:33 and uses it as a springboard to discuss the incomprehensibility of God's ways. The connection is clear and intentional.
"The word of God, like the character of its divine Author, presents mysteries which can never be fully comprehended by finite beings. It directs our minds to the Creator, who dwelleth “in the light which no man can approach unto.” It presents to us His purposes, which embrace all the ages of human history, and which will reach their fulfillment only in the endless cycles of eternity. It calls our attention to subjects of infinite depth and importance relating to the government of God and the destiny of man. 5T 699.2"
"Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen."
The EGW passage directly quotes 1 Timothy 6:16, referencing God dwelling in unapproachable light. The connection is clear and supports the point about the mysteries of God.
"The entrance of sin into the world, the incarnation of Christ, regeneration, the resurrection, and many other subjects presented in the Bible, are mysteries too deep for the human mind to explain or even to fully comprehend. But God has given us in the Scriptures sufficient evidence of their divine character, and we are not to doubt His word because we cannot understand all the mysteries of His providence. 5T 699.3"
"The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law."
Both passages address the limits of human understanding regarding God's ways and the importance of accepting what is revealed, even if not fully comprehended. Deuteronomy 29:29 speaks of secret things belonging to God and revealed things belonging to us, while EGW speaks of mysteries too deep to comprehend but with sufficient evidence given. The connection is thematic rather than a direct allusion.
"The portions of Holy Writ presenting these great themes are not to be passed by as of no use to man. All that God has seen fit to make known we are to accept upon the authority of His word. Only a bare statement of facts may be given, with no explanation as to why or how; but though we cannot comprehend it we should rest content that it is true, because God has said it. All the difficulty lies in the weakness and narrowness of the human mind. 5T 699.4"
"For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known."
Both passages discuss the limitations of human understanding in the present time. 1 Corinthians 13:12 speaks of seeing darkly and knowing in part, while EGW speaks of the weakness and narrowness of the human mind. The connection is thematic.